Premier Doug Ford
Queens Park
Toronto, Ontario
Aaniin / Hello Premier Ford,
We are writing on behalf of TRC-Bobcaygeon ,in support of Grassy Narrows First Nations (Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek), to implore you to rescind the nine mining exploration permits issued by your government on their territory without consulting, consent or even notifying them, in violation of Indigenous law of Grassy Narrows, Ontario’s own laws and the Constitution of Canada. As Chief Fobister says, “When the government issues mining permits behind our backs, that’s not reconciliation, that’s destruction.”
It is all the more appalling considering the direct and cumulative impact of industrial activity imposed on Grassy Narrows over decades, including the damming of the English River, mercury contamination resulting from upstream pulp and paper manufacturing, clearcut logging, and mining exploration, which have been highly detrimental to the environment within their Treaty 20 Territory and to the health of Grassy Narrows people, their way of life and ability to exercise their inherent and constitutionally protected rights.
We add our voices to those of many around the province, including the editorial board of the Toronto Star, who are outraged at your governments callous betrayal of the Grassy Narrows FN rights and well-being. We support their application to the Ontario superior Court of Justice to have the mining permits cancelled, but believe it should not take a court order to force your government to do the honourable thing.
We implore you to rescind the permits immediately to restore and uphold the “honour of the Crown”. Reconciliation demands it. We call on you to join the Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek on that healing path for reconciliation. As Chief Fobister explains, “They need to stop logging and mining so the land can heal. Good land will heal our people from all the damage the government has been pushing on us like mercury and industry. That is reconciliation for us. Let us use our land to heal. I invite Ontario to join us on this path.”
In the spirit of Reconciliation,
Sherry Telford Rodney Smith-Merkley
Co-Keepers, TRC-Bobcaygeon
cc: Dave Smith, parliamentary assistant to Ontario’s minister of Indigenous Affairs
Chief Randy Fobister, Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation)