Webequie signs provincial Ring of Fire agreement

Ontario and Webequie First Nation have agreed to work together on realizing benefits from the Ring of Fire.
Webequie Chief Cornelius Wabasse and Minister of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) Rick Bartolucci signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) during Bartolucci’s visit to Webequie on June 12.
The agreement commits Ontario to providing social, community and economic development supports for Webequie to help facilitate the community’s involvement in the Ring of Fire.
According to a provincial government statement, Ontario is also committed to providing resource revenue sharing to the First Nation associated with Ring of Fire developments.
“The MOC represents a very positive step forward and speaks clearly to our community’s aspirations to be a real partner in the development of our traditional territory,” Wabasse said in a statement. “We look forward to building the foundations for success with all levels of government.”
The agreement also states that the two sides will work together to advance discussions with the federal government on helping Webequie prepare to participate in the Ring of Fire.
The Ontario press release said Ontario and Webequie will work together on regional environmental monitoring and regional infrastructure planning.
“Development in the Ring of Fire must be approached in a responsible and inclusive manner and must bring long-term prosperity to First Nations through appropriate engagement and resources,” Bartolucci said.
Bartolucci also visited Marten Falls during his June 12 trip north.