In the middle of the pandemic, while Neskantaga was dealing with lockdowns, Canada’s longest boil-water advisory, and community evacuations, Ontario started the clock on a key access road project that would enable a massive expansion of mining in the Ring of Fire.

In their haste to develop the road, the province imposed impossible deadlines, disregarded Neskantaga’s laws and protocols for community decision-making, and failed to accommodate the multiple crises the Nation was facing.

UPDATE: On October 20 an Ontario Superior Court Judge dismissed Neskantaga’s case that aimed to force changes to the Environmental Assessment Act. Though we are disappointed with the ruling, this is not the end of the road for Neskantaga. In addition to being part of the Breathing Lands challenge — a sweeping Treaty rights case that would impact 10 northern Nations — the Nation is pushing to protect their homelands through a youth-led sturgeon revitalization program, by confronting the Ford government at Queens Park, and protesting in the streets.

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