06/25/2026
Press Release Concerning Ring of Fire Road Developments Today:
*Neskantaga First Nation Calls for Consent Before Ring of Fire Road Construction Proceeds*
Neskantaga First Nation is concerned by Premiere Ford’s visit to Webequie First Nation for a “ground-breaking” ceremony to symbolically begin construction on the Webequie Supply Road while fundamental questions of Indigenous jurisdiction, consent, and environmental protection remain unresolved.
The Webequie Supply Road is not an isolated community infrastructure project. It is part of an industrial road network intended to open the Ring of Fire to large-scale mining. This road network would connect the mining region to the provincial highway system in the south and will cross the Attawapiskat River: a sacred river system and essential source of life for Neskantaga First Nation.
For Neskantaga, the Attawapiskat River sustains our people, our laws, our harvesting practices, and our responsibilities to future generations. Neskantaga has established a land defence encampment on the river because we will not accept a road crossing imposed on our territory without our free, prior, and informed consent.
Every First Nation has the right to determine its own priorities and pursue the infrastructure and economic opportunities it considers necessary. Neskantaga does not speak for Webequie First Nation, nor does Webequie speak for Neskantaga. But Ontario and project proponents cannot treat the involvement of some First Nations as consent on behalf of all Nations whose lands, waters, rights, and futures will be affected.
Ontario markets Ring of Fire roads as a benefit for remote First Nations. Yet these roads are primarily being advanced as industrial access routes for mining companies seeking access to Indigenous lands and critical mineral deposits. Promises of jobs, airport upgrades, or limited community investments cannot avoid the central question: who has the authority to decide whether mining development should proceed through these territories?
For decades, Neskantaga has fought for infrastructure that should be guaranteed to every community: clean drinking water, safe housing, health services, education, and support for children and families. It is unacceptable for Ontario to move quickly when industry requires roads while treating life-sustaining community infrastructure as optional, delayed, or conditional.
Neskantaga calls on Ontario to stop treating the Ring of Fire mining region as a foregone conclusion when they do not have the consent of the effected communities. They must continue to engage in meaningful nation-to-nation dialogue with all affected First Nations before construction proceeds.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Coleen Moonias [email protected];
Nessie Nankivell [email protected]
