Shawn Bell - Wawatay News

Weenusk First Nation says no to sharing of aerial geologic survey information

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:26

The Ontario Geologic Survey (OGS) claimed its aerial surveying of one of Ontario’s last pristine wildernesses was done with the best of intentions. The OGS wanted to update geologic records that were decades old, it said, and help First Nations in the area create land use plans based on geologic information.
And if the aerial surveying around Weenusk First Nation along the Hudson Bay coast resulted in a big increase of mineral exploration in the area, well, no one would be surprised.

New Grand Chief will set tone of future development

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:26

It is still much too early to judge Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Harvey Yesno’s performance in the top job.
But the former Eabametoong chief earned his spot on the Wawatay honourable mention list by not only winning the grand chief election, but for immediately implementing his own tone to the work that NAN is doing.

Chief Moonias vows to oppose Cliffs at all costs

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:26

Neskantaga Chief Peter Moonias burst into the national media’s attention in the spring when he announced to the world that he would stop a bridge to the Ring of Fire from being built over the Attawapiskat River, by any means possible.
“They’re going to have to cross that river, and I told them if they want to cross that river, they’re going to have to kill me first. That’s how strongly I feel about my people’s rights here,” Moonias said in May.

KI members walk from Toronto to Ottawa in support of Spence

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:26

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) members joined Attawapiskat Chief Teresa Spence on Victoria Island after walking from Toronto in protest of ongoing treaty violations.
The KI walkers, led by Mark T. Anderson, said their journey was a show of solidarity for Spence’s call for renewal of implementation of the treaty commitments made by the federal government.

‘Your policies don’t apply here’, KI Chief tells Ontario

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:26

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) Chief Donny Morris issued a stark warning to the Ontario government via a Youtube video earlier this month, saying that the “only recourse” northern First Nations have is to keep mining companies out of the territory.
Morris posted the video to show his community’s support for Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence’s hunger strike and the ongoing Idle No More protests happening across the country.

Ontario’s appeal of Grassy Narrows case wraps up

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:26

A legal appeal with national implications on Aboriginal treaty rights now rests in the hands of the judges after arguments in Grassy Narrows versus Ontario closed last week.
The legal battle between Ontario and Grassy Narrows First Nation over clear-cut logging on Grassy Narrows’ traditional territory has been ongoing for over a decade. In 2011 an Ontario judge ruled in favour of the First Nation, essentially saying that Ontario did have not the authority to authorize logging that violated treaty rights.

Spence brought attention to the cause, but what happens now?

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:26

I just returned from a holiday in India. One of the things that struck me during conversations at the beginning of the trip was how little people knew about First Nations issues in Canada. In India, where indigenous populations in some states have been conducting armed resistance movements for decades, many people I spoke with had no idea of the history or reality of First Nations people in Canada.

Wynne wins Liberal race for Ontario premier

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:26

Kathleen Wynne was named Ontario’s new premier after winning the Liberal leadership race to replace Dalton McGuinty.
Wynne served as Ontario’s Minister of Aboriginal Affairs before stepping down to run for leader.
Over the course of her campaign Wynne addressed a number of issues pertaining to First Nations people, including the treaty relationship, impoverished living conditions on reserves and resource revenue sharing.

Fort Severn demands halt to aerial surveying

Create: 12/01/2015 - 19:26

Fort Severn First Nation has demanded that Ontario halt ongoing aerial geologic surveying of Fort Severn’s traditional lands.
The First Nation issued a letter to the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) on Jan. 25, requesting that aerial surveying stop immediately.
Fort Severn said it was revoking its prior consent to the surveying.
Fort Severn cited Idle No More and the hunger strike by Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence in
explaining the need for unity with other First Nations.

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