TORONTO—As the global mining industry gathered in Toronto for the annual Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada Convention, the Anishinabek Nation delivered a pointed message to investors, mining companies and government officials: there will be no certainty in the rush for critical minerals without First Nations at the decision-making table.
In a March 3 statement addressed directly to the industry conference, Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige warned that the stability investors seek cannot be achieved by sidelining Indigenous rights.
“True certainty in critical minerals development can only be achieved through genuine, equitable partnership with our nations,” Chief Debassige said.
The Anishinabek Nation represents 39 member First Nations across Ontario and approximately 70,000 citizens. Their territories overlap with some of the province’s most sought-after mineral deposits, including those connected to the electrification economy and the proposed development of the Ring of Fire region.
For many First Nations leaders, the warning arrives amid a broader political moment in which both provincial and federal governments have moved to accelerate resource development—often drawing criticism from Indigenous communities who say they were not meaningfully consulted.
Over the past year, Ontario’s Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025—commonly known as Bill 5—has faced sustained backlash from First Nations across the province. The legislation proposes the creation of “special economic zones” that could exempt major projects from certain provincial regulations in order to speed up approvals, particularly for mining and critical mineral extraction. Indigenous leaders have warned the bill risks weakening environmental oversight and bypassing the Crown’s constitutional duty to consult.
Several First Nations governments and organizations have said the legislation was introduced without adequate consultation, a concern echoed repeatedly during public submissions and political debate.
“The actions of the Government of Ontario in passing Bill 5 without consultation demonstrate a fundamental disregard for the treaty and constitutional rights of First Nations,” one leadership statement noted last year, warning that pushing development forward without consent could lead to legal and grassroots resistance.
At the federal level, similar concerns have surfaced around legislation intended to fast-track large infrastructure and resource projects, including mining operations tied to Canada’s growing critical minerals strategy. Indigenous leaders across the country have warned that accelerating approvals without early and meaningful consultation risks undermining constitutionally protected rights and the principles of reconciliation.
Against that backdrop, the Anishinabek Nation’s message at PDAC was clear: First Nations are not opposed to development—but development must be built on partnership, not expediency.
“For too long, our rights and territories have been disrespected during resource development,” Chief Debassige said. “As stewards of these lands for millennia, our Nation’s rights—both inherent and treaty—will be recognized and respected as the foundation of responsible development.”
Without that recognition, she warned, projects face an uncertain future.
“Without our full and meaningful participation, projects are inherently uncertain, unstable, and unsustainable.”
The statement acknowledges the global demand for critical minerals—key inputs in electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure and advanced electronics—and the economic opportunities they represent. But the Anishinabek Nation stressed that those opportunities must not come “at the expense of our Nation’s rights, environment, or future generations.”
“The only way to ensure certainty and long-term success is through partnerships built on mutual respect, trust, and shared benefit,” Chief Debassige said.
The nation outlined several principles it says must guide resource development on its territories.
First, genuine partnerships require time and shared authority. The Anishinabek Nation said its member First Nations will only participate in projects as “true partners—with decision-making authority, respect for our Traditional Knowledge, and benefit-sharing.”
Second, consent must be respected. The statement emphasizes that First Nations will exercise their right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“Projects that proceed without our member First Nations’ consent or do not incorporate the UNDRIP in a project may be viewed as illegitimate and will have the potential to face fierce opposition,” the statement reads.
Third, development must adhere to treaty and inherent rights with “clear mechanisms for enforcement and accountability.”
Finally, environmental and cultural protections are non-negotiable.
“First Nation sacred sites, waters, and ecosystems must be protected. These are not negotiable. First Nation Traditional Knowledge and concerns are integral to sustainable development.”
The statement also included a pointed reminder to industry regarding who holds rights within Anishinabek territories.
“Our member First Nations that are the original stewards of these lands… do not include those who identify as part of the Métis Nation of Ontario,” the statement says.
Chief Debassige said the path forward remains open—but only for those willing to work in true partnership.
“The Anishinabek Nation member First Nations stand ready to collaborate with those who are committed to respectful engagement and shared prosperity,” she said.
“Our member First Nations will not accept projects that violate our rights or ignore our sovereignty. Our future—and the future of our children—depends on building relationships founded on trust, respect, and shared benefit.”
The warning ended with a simple reminder directed at the industry gathered in Toronto.
“To achieve real certainty, let us work together as true partners—First Nations, Industry, and Government. Anything less is a risk to all projects going forward.
“We are here, we are present, and our member First Nations will defend our rights and our lands.”
By Jacqueline M. St. Pierre, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Apr 16, 2026 at 10:54
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