Deal represents ‘step forward’ for reserve

Ontario has a new agreement with the Webequie First Nation aimed at helping the community benefit from mineral development in the Ring of Fire area of Northern Ontario.
An “updated” memorandum of co-operation was signed by Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci during a recent visit to the remote First Nation. It commits the province to providing Webequie with social, community and economic development supports, and resource revenue sharing.
It also commits the province to working with the community on regional environmental monitoring and infrastructure planning and on helping to move discussions forward with the federal government, ensuring that communities in the area are prepared to fully participate in mining developments.
“The (memorandum of co-operation) 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,” Webequie Chief Cornelius Wabasse said in a news release.
“We look forward to building the foundations for success with all levels of government.”