NAN demands operating standards for mining developments in FN territory
Nishnawbe Aski Nation press release
NAN Calls for Fair Trade Standards in Mining
THUNDER BAY, ON, Feb. 5 - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler delivered a statement to participants of the Rapaport International Mining Conference today in New York City calling on diamond exploration and mining companies to meet basic operating standards in terms of accommodation and consultation with First Nations within NAN territory - an area covering two thirds of Ontario.
"There needs to be a meaningful dialogue between Chiefs and councils, the Province of Ontario, and with industries regarding Aboriginal and treaty rights," said NAN Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. "When it comes to extraction and exploitation of the natural resources in the backyards and traditional territories of our people, clear and agreed upon standards must be implemented."
During the conference Fiddler distributed the following standards he hopes will end the failure of both the Government of Ontario and industries to acknowledge the various supreme court rulings, including Mikisew (November 2005), regarding the need to consult and accommodate First Nations prior to exploration:
- Respect for aboriginal, treaty rights and basic human rights outlined in international conventions and Canadian law
- Free, prior, and informed consent of affected First Nation communities
- Respect for moratoriums
- Ensure exploration and mining operations are not located in areas of disputed land claims, unresolved community overlap areas, or other places of conflict
- Ensure exploration and mining projects do not force communities off their lands
- No dumping of mine wastes into oceans, rivers, lakes, or streams
- Ensure exploration and mining projects are not located in sacred or spiritual sites, community protected areas, fragile ecosystems, and conservation or ecological value
- Ensure community land use planning takes place before exploration and mining commences
- Ensure projects do not generate sulphuric acid or other persistent pollutants in perpetuity
- Mining companies cover all costs of closing down and cleaning up mine sites
- Fully disclosed information regarding social and environmental effects of projects
- Ensure First Nations equitably share in wealth generated from the exploration and development of their traditional lands
- Safe working conditions
- Respect for aboriginal workers' rights and culturally sensitive labour standards
- Allowance for independent monitoring and verification of the above
Delegates of the conference participated in discussion and debate with leading NGOs, government development experts, and leaders of the diamond trade regarding ethical sourcing, corporate responsibility, and what the diamond industry can and should do to help the poorest people in the world.
The Rapaport Group drives sustainable economic development in the poorest countries of the world and is committed to using economic power and strategic positioning in the diamond and jewellery industry to help artisanal diggers and other disadvantaged groups obtain economic self sufficiency.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation is an Aboriginal political organization representing 49 First Nation communities within the territory of James Bay Treaty 9 and Ontario First Nations of Treaty 5. This area covers over two-thirds of the province of Ontario and is home to approximately 45,000 people.
For further information: Kristy Hankila, Communications Assistant, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, (807) 625-4902, (807) 472-9604 (mobile)