-J.W “I am a Fort Severn…

-J.W

“I am a Fort Severn Cree Nation band member and an elder. We are always concerned about encroaching mineral exploration on our traditional lands that may lead to mining development and extraction of natural resources creating toxic wastes that may impact the food chain, fish and wildlife resources and the natural environment as a result. The vast river system network that flows to Hudson Bay yields an abundance of fish and wildlife. This includes the migratory birds that nest here to rejuvenate each year. The way of life in Fort Severn (the most northerly community in Ontario) has not very much since European Contact. We still hunt and fish to put food on the table to feed families. Exploration companies should pay for using FN lands. Unless the is a Resource Development Agreement (not IBA) in place that has been developed and negotiated between FN and Industry Players, initial exploration and advanced exploration that may lead to mining development should never be permitted. A lot of FN communities will be impacted if the mine is developed, as previously experienced. It should be noted that we are an international treaty people and should be dealing directly with industry players. Our ancestors signed a treaty agreement, an eternal treaty agreement for as long as the sun shines, river flows, wind blows. The province of Ontario is not part of the treaty. On a side note: They were also promised livestock, yet to be realized in Fort Severn. For myself, I just want a donkey to carry my gun and ammo for my traditional harvesting pursuits.”