Sovereignty Over Shortcuts: NAN Stands with First Nations in the Ring of Fire Region

TORONTO, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) is deeply concerned by Premier Doug Ford’s recent comments regarding the acceleration of critical minerals development in Ontario’s Ring of Fire Region. NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler released the following statement in response.

“Premier Ford’s promise to ‘unlock’ the Ring of Fire and fast-track development is a direct attack on the Inherent, Treaty, and Aboriginal rights of First Nations who have governed and stewarded these lands since time immemorial,” said Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler.

“These are not ‘Ontario’s minerals; they exist within our territories, and any attempt to dictate their development without our full and meaningful involvement is an overreach of provincial authority and represents a complete failure to understand and honour the relationship between the government and First Nations in Ontario. Election promises do not equate to meaningful action, and First Nations do not operate on short-term political timelines. The unilateral will of the day’s government will not dictate the speed of development on our lands, and continuing to disregard our legal rights serves to reinforce the colonial and racist approach that we have always had to fight against.”

While NAN acknowledges the investment in the Aboriginal Participation Fund and Ontario’s commitment to First Nations engagement, investment does not equate to consent for First Nations people. Predictability and certainty for businesses and industry partners can only be achieved when First Nations are true partners in decision-making. The political cycle always changes, but jurisdiction, governance, and stewardship of our lands remain constant and must be upheld.

The lands and waters of the Ring of Fire hold deep cultural, environmental, and economic significance for First Nations. Responsible development cannot be achieved through unilateral declarations but must be built on a foundation of recognition, respect, and shared governance. Policies aimed at cutting red tape or expediting approvals cannot override the authority of First Nations.

NAN calls on Premier Ford and the Ontario government to immediately retract these assertions and uphold the promises that the government made in Treaty that respects First Nations as full partners – not election pawns. Regardless of the outcome on February 27th, our rights and responsibilities as Treaty Nations remain. First Nations endure beyond party politics, and any lasting framework for resource development must reflect this reality.

“If Ontario is serious about advancing its critical minerals strategy and furthering development in the North, it must commit to working with all affected Nations as partners,” said Grand Chief Fiddler. “We remind the Premier that he has a duty to engage directly with all leadership to develop a path forward that respects our rights, ensures economic benefits for our communities, and upholds our sacred duty to protect the land for future generations.”

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca