Chris Kornacki - Wawatay News

Nearly 60 community citizens from both Neskantaga and Eabametoong First Nations gathered for a fundraiser and rally against Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s recent statements about the Ring of Fire.

The event “Into the Ring with Ford” was held at Ryerson University in Toronto on November 9th. It was organized by the Yellowhead Institute, and was live broadcast on Wawatay Radio Network and Wawatay News Online.

Ontario will be working with Webequie, Marten Falls and Nibinamik First Nations to plan and construct a year-round access road into the proposed Ring of Fire mining development site being pursued by Noront Resources Ltd.

Premier Kathleen Wynne made the announcement August 21 while in Thunder Bay with the Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Michael Gravelle, Marten Falls Chief Bruce Achneepineskum and Webequie Chief Cornelius Wabasse.

The Hon. Patty Hajdu, Minister of the Status of Women, and the Hon. Carolyn Bennett Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, will meet with family members on January 6, 2016 to seek input on the design of the national inquiry into MMIWG.

Orientation sessions for family members to learn more about the process will be held on January 5 2016.