Land Defence Alliance Campaign

Asubpeeschoseewagong First Nation (Grassy Narrows First Nation), Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (Big Trout Lake First Nation), Wapekeka First Nation, Muskrat Dam First Nation, and Neskantaga First Nation signed a mutual agreement to become a coalition that is demanding respect for First Nation sovereignty, decision making powers, and to end the free entry system. This system, which is a part of Ontario’s Mining Act, allows mining companies to stake claims to Indigenous land without notifying the Nations nor by gaining their free, informed, and prior consent.

The Ontario Government continues to ignore Indigenous sovereignty rights by encouraging the development of Northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire. The goal is to build a network of roads thus allowing for the extractive process of mining to damage the fragile ecosystem that makes up Northern Ontario’s Peatlands.

SURJ Toronto has been asked to support this campaign and help organize the March and Rally.

Image description: A picture of a forest with the five flags of the five First Nations in the Land Defence Alliance. Text reads: "March for the land, September 27, 2023, Toronto, 12pm ET"

Why we take action:

At SURJ To we respect First Nation sovereignty and decision-making processes. We are actively undoing systems of settler colonialism and support #LandBack campaigns. 

Actions:

Save the Date:

• Thursday, July 20th at noon Queen’s Park

• Wednesday, September 27th at noon - March, rally, and speakers

• Sign this petition - No Mining On Anishinaabe Territory | Leadnow.ca

Join us in standing in solidarity with the Land Defence Alliance and the coalition of organizations from across the GTA who are coming together to say no to Ford's land development plan. We are saying no to the free entry system, and we are saying no to leaving First Nations out of the process. This is not okay. Indigenous rights and land must be respected now. 

Resources:

• Why Mining Has Some Indigenous Leaders Pushing Back | The Agenda 

• Four First Nations form land defence alliance, seek to stop encroachment on their territory | Kenora Miner

• First Nations take Ring of Fire fight to Ontario legislature | The Narwhal

• What’s going on with Ontario’s Ring of Fire? | The Narwhal

• Grassy Narrows 20th Anniversary

• The Youth Rising Up Against Canada's Mercury Crisis

• First Nations leaders walk out of Queen's Park after heated exchange over mining proposals

• First Nations leaders walk out of Queen's Park after heated exchange over mining proposals | CBC News

Check back often as we update this page with more information and action items!

Want to get involved? Become a SURJ Toronto Member.