Three Ontario First Nation groups have called for a mining and development moratorium in the Ring of Fire region in northwest Ontario, Kallanish reports.

The declaration of a First Nation-imposed moratorium was released by the Attawapiskat, Fort Albany and Neskantaga First Nations in the James Bay Lowlands area of Ontario. They say their territories and rights will be seriously and permanently desecrated and damaged by mining in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region and that such a moratorium is “urgently required.”

The three First Nation groups say they imposed the moratorium under indigenous laws, inherent rights and treaty with the Crown. They also cite international and Canadian laws. They are demanding that Canada and Ontario agree to a regional impact assessment for mining in the Ring of Fire area northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario. That assessment must be completed before Canada or Ontario approve any roads or mining developments in the region. First Nations must also play a key role in conducting such a review, the First Nations say. The moratorium is dated 1 April.

The First Nations say that Canada and Ontario have discussed for the last year such a review “behind our backs…to render the RIA little but political puffery with mere token First Nation ‘involvement,’ narrow in its focus and weak in its results.” Canada and Ontario are expected to show the First Nations in April their RIA plan, they say.

Last December, six First Nation had sent letters to the federal Impact Assessment Agency and the federal government delayed consultations.

The First Nation groups say they will lift the moratorium if Canada and Ontario will conduct a Ring of Fire RIA with major input from First Nations.

The First Nation groups say they are fully prepared to defend the mining moratorium in the courts.

“The risks are too great to allow the Crown to steamroll over our Mother Earth, our rights and our future,” the groups say in a joint statement.

The Ring of Fire covers about 5,120 square kilometres and is located about 540 km northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario.