Shawn Bell - Wawatay News

Matawa First Nations’ efforts to slow down the rapid development of the Ring of Fire and advance First Nation input over mining has received support from First Nations across northern Ontario.
Both the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and Mushkegowuk Council last week released statements of support for Matawa’s stance.
Mushkegowuk Grand Chief Stan Louttit said offers of “small” Impact Benefit Agreements made by industry to affected First Nations are not enough, and that First Nation voices need to be heard when it comes to how and when mining happens in northern Ontario.

Matawa First Nations’ efforts to slow down development of the Ring of Fire and advance First Nation input over mining has received support from First Nations across northern Ontario.
Both the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and Mushkegowuk Council last week released statements of support for Matawa’s stance.
Mushkegowuk Grand Chief Stan Louttit said offers of “small” Impact Benefit Agreements made by industry to affected First Nations are not enough, and that First Nation voices need to be heard when it comes to how and when mining happens in northern Ontario.

It’s not exactly pirate radio, but Moose Cree youth are taking over the airways.
The John R. Delaney Youth Center in Moose Factory now features a DJ booth, radio tower and control room for youth and community members to broadcast live over the radio dial.
101.7 FM will soon feature youth programmers spinning tunes, hosting shows and doing live interviews for broadcast through the community.
Jay Montour, the youth center’s manager, said the system currently has the power to reach a 30-kilometer radius around Moose Factory.

The federal government says that funding targeted for Aboriginal health research will go to on-the-ground, practical projects that address some of the major health issues facing First Nations people.
The government announced $25 million over 10 years to support research into obesity, tuberculosis, suicide and oral health through the program, called Pathways to Health Equity for Aboriginal Peoples.

Neskantaga’s fight to slow down the Ring of Fire and get First Nation consultation over mining was brought to a Toronto mining court on July 5.
In a case with serious implications for the speed at which Ring of Fire development occurs, Neskantaga argued to the Ontario Mining Commissioner that First Nation consultation has to occur before industry can buy and sell land on Neskantaga traditional territory.