Ontario Government criticized for lack of consultation with First Nations over mining development.

The Ontario government’s recently created Ring of Fire development corporation

has come under fire from First Nations chiefs in the province.

According to CBC, Deputy Grand Chief Les Loutit of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation said he hadn’t been contacted by the province about the plan but explained it as “normal policy for this government.”

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle said the province sent letters to individual First Nations and mining companies, giving them the opportunity to become involved in the development corporation.

Chief Peter Moonias of the Neskantaga First Nation confirmed he received a letter but is undecided on how useful the development corporation will be.

Whatever the decision, Moonias said that First Nations people “have to be at least partners, not just bystanders.”

The province is holding talks with the Nishnawbe Aski Nation about broader infrastructure needs. Gravelle said the government welcomed their input on the Ring of Fire specifically.