TORONTO, ONT (Queen’s Park) MARCH 6, 2012: Today, Chief Eli Moonias of Marten Falls First Nation and Chief Sonny Gagnon of Aroland First Nation outlined to the Ontario government their position on mining development in their Territory.

Chief Moonias and Chief Gagnon are founding members of the North-South Alliance. They also stated they support the other Matawa member First Nations and the East-West corridor 100%.

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TORONTO, ONTARIO - MARCH 5,2012:  Chief Harry Papah of Eabametoong, Chief Cornelius Wabasse of Webequie, Chief Peter Moonias of Neskantaga, and Chief Johnny Yellowhead of Nibinamik made a presentation in front of a large audience at PDAC about their unique East-West corridor agreement.

The collaboration agreement sees the four First Nations working together to pursue ownership, development and operation of the East-West corridor in the Ring of Fire.

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - JANUARY 25, 2012:  Chief Peter Moonias of Neskantaga with Chief Jonathan Solomon, Kashechewan First Nation and NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy at interview with APTN in Ottawa during the Crown-First Nation Summit January 24, 2012.

Read Joint Statement from Prime Minister Stephen Harper's office

Read Opening Speeches from Governor General David Johnston, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo

THUNDER BAY ONTARIO, NOVEMBER 17, 2011 - Earlier today, Matawa First Nations proudly launched their new charity Gathering of Rivers for Community Care (GRCC) at the organization’s Thunder Bay office. Created to support and improve the lives of Aboriginal children, youth and families, Gathering of Rivers for Community Care will use charitable donations to drive initiatives that further the economic, social, and cultural development of Matawa First Nations Communities.

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http://www.gatheringofrivers.com/

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - NOVEMBER 7, 2011 – First Nation leaders from Northern Ontario gathered in Ottawa on Monday, sending a strong message to the Government of Canada about resource development in their territory.

Matawa First Nations - a group of nine First Nation communities in Northern Ontario have filed a Judicial Review regarding the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency’s (CEAA) failure to implement a Joint Review Panel Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Cliffs Chromite project in the Ring of Fire area.  The CEAA has opted for a Comprehensive Study EA with no realistic opportunity for First Nations to participate. The Matawa Chiefs insist that a Comprehensive Study EA will fast track the EA process for government and the resource company, but put First Nation communities at serious risk. (Photo: Neskantaga First Nation Chief Peter Moonias addresses the media in Ottawa)

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Check the Ring of Fire section for more information including a video, map, news releases and more

EABAMETOONG FIRST NATION,

OCTOBER 26, 2011:

Eabametoong residents take part in cutting a ribbon for a new health centre. Chief Harry Papah (wearing black jacket in front, cutting ribbon) said many postive changes are happening in the First Nation community.

See photos from the Eabametoong Health Centre Grand Opening

THUNDER BAY - OCTOBER 11, 2011:

Matawa First Nations Chiefs are joining the growing number of voices calling on Premier McGuinty to honour the promise made to KI to establish a joint panel to resolve long-standing issues related to mineral exploration on their homelands. In 2009, just before the KI Chief and Council were jailed for opposing Platinex, the McGuinty Government promised to create a joint panel to resolve mining and mineral exploration issues with KI.  The Chief and Council were released from jail by a Court of Appeal decision, but the Province did not follow through and create the joint panel.  Matawa Chiefs supported the KI people and their leadership during their struggle with Platinex and with the Province of Ontario.  The Matawa Chiefs are supporting KI in its struggle now.

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MOOSE CREE FIRST NATIONS - SEPTEMBER 27, 2011:

Seven Matawa First Nations and Seven Mushkegowuk First Nations have signed a declaration to work together to achieve the implementation of the Oral Treaty.  The Chiefs Declaration states that we are “...committed to exercising our inherent and treaty rights, without limitations imposed by others. We will consider the use of any options to ensure that the development of our homelands occurs only with the free, informed and prior consent of our First Nations.” 

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