The province’s top chief warns that no new mines will open without First Nations consent, a pledge that could carry serious repercussions for northern Manitoba.
Derek Nepinak, Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, made the statement last week during a demonstration outside a provincial mining conference in Winnipeg.
“We are living in a day and age where new leadership is emerging and we are not going to sit back,” Nepinak added in an interview with the Winnipeg Free Press.
Nepinak did not threaten any specific action but did refer to aboriginal-led mining blockades that have arose in Manitoba and other parts of Canada, according to the newspaper.
Among Nepinak’s supporters outside the conference was Chief Arlen Dumas of Pukatawagan’s Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, the Free Press reported.
Dumas has called on Hudbay to shut down its Lalor and Reed mines near Snow Lake, insisting the company is on aboriginal territory without permission.
Hudbay has ignored those calls, and no level of government has found legal merit in Dumas’ argument.
Nepinak’s statement could be a blow to efforts by the mining industry and the provincial government to involve First Nations in the mineral sector.
Earlier this month, the province announced the formation of the Mining Advisory Council.
The council will for the first time ensure First Nations communities that wish to participate are always consulted on every aspect of resource development.
The council will also provide advice and recommendations to the province on resource revenue and benefit sharing with First Nations.
There are further commitments to increase training and employment opportunities for aboriginals, among other duties.
Hudbay is well-represented on the council with Brad Lantz, head of Manitoba operations, and Tom Goodman, a Hudbay board member and former vice-president.
Notable in his absence is Dumas. According to the province, he was invited to participate but withdrew.
Derek Nepinak
