By Rosalind Russell – The Anishinabek Nation says the announcement of the Northern Shield Energy Corridor has blindsided First Nations.
Along with saying the project represents a significant threat to their land, water, and future generations, Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige calls the situation alarming — saying no meaningful discussions or consultations took place before its public reveal.
She says governments have time-and-again treated First Nations as an afterthought and only engage in discussions after they’ve asserted their inherent and Treaty rights.
Debassige says major infrastructure projects that cross First Nations’ traditional territory must include meaningful engagement, consent and respect for all First Nations along the project corridors. In a release announcing the proposed route on Monday, the province said it has initiated its duty to consult with Indigenous partners and communities.
With files from Richard Coffin, Photo by Rosalind M Russell
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