young&concerned says:

Moonias is out of his mind!!!

He states:
"That cost us $90,000 last year. And what it’s going to cost us this year, we need reimbursement for that"

Who the hell does he think is going to reimburse them, the government? For what, preventing someone from doing their job...in bettering themselves and the companies they are employed by.

$90,000 dollars...for some construction paper, some markers and an old burn barrel? Oh right! It must be loss of wages while they were manning their blockade. LOL

3/1/2011 7:13:53 PM

Concerned says:

Raymond Ferris said this would happen. If I'm not mistaken Ferris was involved in a blockade a few years back with transcanada pipeline by
Hearst. I dont think this type of action is acceptable by any group and should be done by legal means and not a blockade.If any other group put up a blockade they would be arrested and charged.It would be intersting to hear the Government,KWG and Cliffs side of the story.

3/1/2011 9:37:04 PM

spectre says:

Why doesn't the company just fly up in a helicopter???

3/1/2011 9:37:23 PM

animiki says:

Because slinging in fuel, all the components of diamond drills, spare parts, etc. and then slinging this and diamond drill core (which is rock) back out, as well a carrying people, camp supplies and so on, and keeping THEM supported, all by helicopter, would cost a fortune. You're talking about doing all of this from the nearest road, in many small loads, hundreds of kilometres, at about $1500 per hour. Helicopters are far more expensive than fixed wing airplanes, so much so that it would just render the job unaffordable.

They need a proper airport, with runways, to do this work cost-effectively. The only permanent runways in the Far North are at the various remote First Nations...so the First Nations folk essentially control them.

3/2/2011 9:39:24 AM

cariboukid says:

Nothing like a little blakmail.

3/1/2011 9:38:59 PM

unknowncronic says:

This is like a 4 year old having temper tantrum until they get what they want...
What a farce!!

3/1/2011 10:31:01 PM

hockeyday says:

Everyone should just give in to the demands. How much can I get if I blockad the transcanada highway?

3/1/2011 11:06:31 PM

TWM says:

Company officials haven't made the effort to consult because they have the backing of the federal Government, provincial government and most of the people. I say put the blockade up! It's been too many years this has been happening.

3/2/2011 5:15:31 AM

itshell says:

Like I said before...the minerals have been in that ground for more than a million years...if we don't get them now...well lets just say they ain't going anywhere...

3/2/2011 6:54:47 AM

metisman says:

As an aboriginal person I am once again embarassed by Cheif Moonias. Here is a man that claims to be a person that looks out for his people. What a joke, he is now going to do more harm than good...This is the same guy that was going to charge businesses $5000 for a 45 minute audience with himself and council...he has no integrity and must see himself as the king in his kingdom....no wonder the mining companies want nothing to do with him, as they could negotiate a deal with Marten Falls FN but he would reneg somewhere along the line...
I am all for consultation and accomodation with all aboriginal groups having concerns but this guy puts a HUGE black eye on aboriginal consultation because of his lack of foresight and lack of knowledge. Maybe his people will soon realize that he is not really the man for the job and remove him from office....

3/2/2011 8:20:21 AM

gusto says:

Why is Moonias calling this consultations? He should call them demands. He has no desire to consult. He want to tell the companies what he wants and if they don't comply then they don't have access. Doesn't sound like consultation to me...sounds like blackmail.

3/2/2011 8:41:10 AM

actup says:

The Crown, while it has a treaty right to “take up” surrendered lands, is nevertheless under the obligation to inform itself on the impact its project will have on the exercise by the Mikisew of their treaty hunting, fishing and trapping rights and to communicate its findings to the Mikisew. The Crown must then attempt to deal with the Mikisew in good faith and with the intention of substantially addressing their concerns. Supreme Ct.

3/2/2011 10:11:29 AM

homelessteen says:

We protect the rights of every minority in this country eccept the population of the 3% of First Nations.
Makes me sick.