Blockade near ring of fire remains

By tbnewswatch.com

After a month-long protest, some members of Matawa First Nations continue to block access points to the mining development known as the ring of fire.

Representatives from Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations set up a blockade in the area in January. They're protesting against mining activity in their traditional territory without consultation with the First Nations.

Last week, Marten Falls First Nation Chief Elijah Moonias said they would end the blockade Thursday if all the parties agreed to settle their issues within the next six months. They've received responses from three of the major mining companies involved.

Moonias says he'll be discussing those responses with Webequie Chief Cornelius Wabasse and his council on Monday to see where they go from here. He says they'd like to see the blockade end soon.

Moonias added that they'll decide next week if they're going to remove the blockade or not. They're looking for an agreement that addresses a long list of First Nations' concerns.