Matawa Chiefs Demand That No Platinex Claims Be Recorded Prior to First Nation Consultation

"As First Nation Chiefs, we are disappointed by the inaction of the Government of Ontario to consult with and accommodate us about the mining claims that Platinex has staked in our territory. Such claims will likely have a direct impact on our communities. We need to be consulted before these claims are accepted or recorded by Ontario. The Ontario Government has lagged considerably behind jurisprudence on Aboriginal and Treaty rights, and must update the Mining Act to conform to current Canadian law. If serious attention is not given to this matter soon, the uncertainty that currently faces the mineral industry on duty to consult issues will worsen and support for mineral development from First Nations will wane".

The Matawa First Nations consist of nine First Nations located throughout north-western Ontario with their tribal council in Thunder Bay.