The Chiefs of Ontario are deeply troubled by the serious and persistent challenges faced by many First Nations, particularly the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation.
The Nation has been in a state of emergency since 2014 due to a suicide crisis among youth, substance abuse issues, untimely deaths in the community and the pervasive and insidious impacts of colonization.
And while Onigaming walks the path of healing, they have been met with unacceptable disrespect and dismissal from some mining companies.
The Ojibways of Onigaming are a prime example of how community wellbeing, inherent and Treaty rights, and environmental stewardship intersect with development and resource extraction.
While the community grapples with a crisis that has claimed many young lives, external pressures from speculative mining companies further exacerbate their struggles.
Recent actions by Golden Rapture, a relatively unknown speculator with claims within the Onigaming’s territories, have been particularly appalling.
Onigaming Chief Jeffrey Copenace told the company that the Nation could not engage with consultations due to the ongoing state of emergency and concerns about the environmental impacts on the Nation’s lands and waters.
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Representatives for Golden Rapture replied to the Chief with offensive insults, blaming him for the deaths in the community, demonstrating total disregard and a lack of respect for the situation facing the community and the dozens they have lost.
This behaviour undermines trust and sets a troubling precedent for First Nations and industry relations.
The company must publicly apologize and make amends with Onigaming.
“It is impossible to speak about prosperity and economic development when our youth are dying, and communities are fighting to survive,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “We cannot ignore the historical context that has led us here.
Colonization and its ongoing effects continue to erode our peoples’ mental, physical, and cultural well-being.
To face these challenges, we need the genuine respect and support of governments and industries—but we often encounter derision instead.”
Not all companies behave in such a manner, and many strive to build respectful, lasting partnerships with First Nations.
But incidents like this make it difficult for other mining companies and industries to engage communities in a way that fosters mutual trust and collaboration.
To achieve true reconciliation and progress, actions must align with the principles of respect for treaty rights, meaningful consultation and accommodation, and free, prior, and informed consent.
As mining development and northern Ontario receive more attention, First Nations will surely face increased pressure from industry and government representatives. They can’t engage in a good way if they are in crisis.
The Chiefs of Ontario call upon the provincial and federal governments to prioritize investments in programs that support the revival of First Nations’ languages and cultures.
Healing from the generational impacts of colonization requires cultural revitalization initiatives, mental health services, and language preservation programs—these must be properly and sustainably funded.
These steps are foundational to empowering communities to address the crises they face today and to regain their inherent strength and sovereignty.
They are also crucial to bringing First Nations to a place where they can meaningfully engage with developers and governments on their territories.
The Chiefs of Ontario urge governments to enforce stricter regulations around how companies engage with First Nations.
The behaviour demonstrated by Golden Rapture cannot be tolerated—it perpetuates mistrust and hinders productive relationships between First Nations and the private sector.
When mining companies think they can run roughshod over First Nations rights and lives, it is hard to believe that legislation like Ontario’s Bill-5 will yield anything that resembles trust and respect if none is shown now.
The Chiefs of Ontario remain committed to supporting all First Nations in Ontario and working toward solutions that uphold rights, sovereignty, dignity, and prosperity for First Nation communities.
If you are thinking of suicide or know someone who is, there is help.
Resources are available online at crisisservicescanada.ca or you can connect to the national suicide prevention helpline at 1-833-456-4566, or the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868.
