Ring of fire conference could be cancelled

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The chief and council of Marten Falls First Nation are considering cancelling an upcoming business conference because of questions surrounding consultation fees.

The Ring of Fire Emerging Business Conference, scheduled for Aug. 11-12 at the Valhalla Inn, would cost $5,000 for any company wanting a 45-minute consultation session with Marten Falls’ chief and council concerning exploration and development opportunities near the northern community.

Chief Elijah Moonias said $5,000 is a lot of money and it wasn’t the community’s idea to charge the fee or even host the conference; they were approached by One World Brand Management, the company planning the event.

"They didn’t come to Marten Falls and say ‘let’s do this, what do you think, do you authorize this?’" Moonias told Thunder Bay Television. "They just went ahead and set up and some councilors are questioning that."

It looks suspicious, he added, noting Marten Falls won’t receive any money from the conference fees.

"We didn’t come up with that number; we had nothing to do with it," Moonias said. "I’m leery of things like that. I don’t want to get caught in it. I don’t want to get involved in somebody’s scheme."

Moonias was meeting with his council Monday afternoon to make a decision as to whether they would go ahead with the conference.

One World Brand Management was not available for comment.