Hard to imagine that there wasn't a lot of "participation" in drafting up this  declaration. It's pretty complete and does lay out the steps forward needed to open up the ROF in a responsible, collective, respectful, and fair/equitable to all parties way.  As in anything though the devil is in the details.  

The Ontario government led by Wynne approached the ROF, after years of squabbling between them and the various FN in and around the ROF, by focusing on the the 2 FNs, Webequie and Mattawa, directly in the ROF area and moved in partnership with them to advance road/transportation corridors environmental assessments, to the dismay of the other FNs.  The federal government recently got on board and expanded the scope, which includes but does not hinder or suspend what the Ontario government/FNs had already initiated, to review a larger area impact/requirement/environmental assessment. As we know 5 other FNs decided that they needed to be part of the process and went as far as to say they, FNs, should lead it. That stalled the process which was to close for input in February. Clear that that has generated this stand by Webequie.  Will be interesting to see if Mattawa FN join Webequie in their position. 

Here though is where I think the rubber hits the road....or potentially stalls everything.  This issue sited by Webequie...

 Appendix B - B1.2 and B1.3 It is not clear how potential impacts on Aboriginal and Treaty rights will be addressed. B1.2 provides for the receipt of information related to Aboriginal and Treaty rights and potential adverse impacts. B1.3 is explicit that the committee is not mandated to make determinations on validity or probability of adverse impacts. How will these determinations be made? How will the assessment of strengths of claim be made as it relates to any rights assertions by distant Indigenous communities

One of the underlying issues with the area has always been FN land claim rights.  Usually it has been the FN challenging the government.  This seems to me to be only resolvable by and between the FNs themselves but if it ends up in courts this could potentially stall all activity in the ROF for years as am sure the environmental groups will be more than happy to finance cases they see as fit their agenda.   Mining companies only own the claims.  The lands are owned by the FNs. Not sure either level of government wants to get in the misddle or pick sides.

Responses by all parties, 5 FNs, both levels of governments and Matawa in the coming days will be crucial in reflecting path forward.

Always interesting times when it come to the ROF...especially when there is an election pending.