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Canada's PM wants to fast-track 'nation building' – but can he convince indigenous First Nations?
Canada's PM wants to fast-track 'nation building' – but can he convince indigenous First Nations?

BBC News

time16-07-2025

  • Politics
  • BBC News

Canada's PM wants to fast-track 'nation building' – but can he convince indigenous First Nations?

Jeronimo Kataquapit, a member of Ontario's Attawapiskat First Nation, is camped outside The Ring of Fire, a mineral-rich region located in remote northern Ontario. With just a canoe and a tent, the 20-year-old and his family have travelled more than 400 kilometers to protest a provincial law that designated the area a "special economic zone" for move was a precursor to Prime Minister Mark Carney's own first major piece of legislation, which is aimed at fast-tracking major infrastructure projects across the country. Dubbed the One Canadian Economy Act, it has been touted as a "nation-building" law at a time when the country is involved in a costly trade war with the United States. And while it could bring billions of investment into places like the Ring of Fire, it could also undermine indigenous nations' rights to their own land, community members fear."Ever since these laws were passed it's no longer about indigenous consultation, it's about consent," says Kataquapit. "Consent on whether you are allowed to come into our home territories, our livelihoods and build whatever you want. The time for dialogue is over, and now it's time for action." No projects have been selected yet, but the government has hinted at a few items on its wish-list, including a pipeline along the British Columbia coast and a carbon-capture project in Alberta's oil sands. The Ring of Fire, a 5,000 square-kilometre area home to significant deposits of chromite, nickel, copper, gold, zinc, and other minerals, has also been flagged as an area ripe for development in partnership with the federal governmentBut while Carney's legislation was considered by many to be an early victory for the new prime minister, environmental groups have raised concerns that the law, and others like it, provide shortcuts to get through existing environmental processes. Meanwhile, indigenous leaders like Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict have argued the law undermines their territorial rights."We have environmental assessments based on indigenous teachings," says Benedict. "We consider everything: air, land, water, medicines and animals. Time and time again we see project development that has not taken indigenous knowledge into consideration, and the project has essentially failed."Consultation with indigenous communities in Canada is not a courtesy, but law. The country's constitution affirms indigenous rights and requires prior and informed consent on actions that affect their land and what these consolations must entail has often been a fraught Fraser, Canada's justice minister, has said First Nations' consultation "stops short of a complete veto" on projects. Meanwhile, critics such as indigenous governance expert Pamela Palmater argue the Supreme Court has made it clear that merely hearing out indigenous communities is not enough."The law is a duty to consult, accommodate concerns, and in many cases get consent," she said last month on the political podcast The talks between the government and indigenous communities break down, it can be documents show that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police spent almost C$50m ($36m, £27m) policing resistance against pipeline projects in British Columbia. While in 2020, a Wet'suwet'en First Nation-led blockade against national railways – a protest against a British Columbia pipeline project - is estimated to have cost hundreds of millions of Canadian dollars a day. Pressure is now building on the prime minister to bring indigenous groups to the has said indigenous leadership is central to building a stronger economy, including through the One Canadian Economy Act and initiatives like the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program. On Thursday, Carney he will sit down with First Nations leaders and later this month with Inuit and Metis of Assembly First Nations Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak told the BBC that she had requested the upcoming consultations herself. The Assembly of First Nations held a virtual forum with chiefs across Canada last week with Woodhouse Nepinak saying they are "united," and have proposed amendments to the law which they plan to bring up on that might be too late, for some. Chief of Nishnawbe Aski First Nation, Alvin Fiddler, has warned that Carney's law "will not apply in [their] territories". Fiddler has also called for the resignation of Greg Rickford, Ontario's Minister of Indigenous Wednesday, nine First Nations from Ontario launched a constitutional challenge arguing both Ontario's legislation, and Carney's federal law, present a "clear and present danger" to their way of life and rights to self-determination. Kate Kempton, senior legal counsel for the group, criticised the laws for giving the government "unfettered, unrestricted authority to wave a magic wand" and make development projects go forward, despite objections from indigenous even indigenous leaders who are typically pro-development have expressed concern. Alberta Treaty Six Nations Grand Chief Greg Desjarlais, who is part of the Western Indigenous Pipeline Group, said he is disappointed in how Ottawa has handled the "nation building" law so far."It is 2025, First Nations need to be included in consultation, ownership and revenue sharing," he told the some remain hopeful they can work with the Desjarlais (no relation), executive director of the Indigenous Resource Network, who is Metis from Saskatchewan, said that he is optimistic."We want economic development opportunities," said Desjarlais. "We can develop in line with our indigenous community interests, addressing our issues, advancing opportunities, and still very much being stewards of the land."

Two First Nations Setting Up Encampment Near Proposed Bridge to Ring of Fire
Two First Nations Setting Up Encampment Near Proposed Bridge to Ring of Fire

Canada News.Net

time27-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Canada News.Net

Two First Nations Setting Up Encampment Near Proposed Bridge to Ring of Fire

A political decision one thousand kilometres from Jeronimo Kataquapit's home in a remote First Nation near James Bay set the course for his summer. Now, the 20-year-old from Attawapiskat First Nation, his father, mother and older brother are headed upriver in two 24-foot freighter canoes on a 400-kilometre journey to "reassert First Nations' presence" near the Ring of Fire region in northern Ontario, reports The Canadian Press. The family hopes to make it to their final stop, near a proposed bridge over the Attawapiskat River, by Saturday. There, they will meet a contingent from Neskantaga First Nation as the two communities unite to build a quasi-permanent encampment-and make a political statement. "This is our home. This is our own territory, not just Attawapiskat's, but every nation in the area," Kataquapit said in a recent phone interview with The Canadian Press, speaking from under a tarp in his canoe as his father navigated small rapids. They brought more than 200 litres of gasoline to run the 25-horsepower motors on their canoes. A generator also powers their Starlink kit that gives them access to high-speed internet from anywhere in order to document their travels on social media and stay connected to the outside world. The family left Attawapiskat on June 16 for the journey Kataquapit has dubbed "Here We Stand," which he said is a call to action to First Nations to show the federal and provincial governments they want to be consulted before any further development and mining in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire. The idea crystallized for Kataquapit in late May when Ottawa introduced Bill C-5, which Prime Minister Mark Carney's government said is designed to speed up major projects deemed to be in the "national interest." That bill, which was fast-tracked through the House of Commons and passed in the Senate on Thursday, came on the heels of the similar Bill 5 that was rammed through the provincial legislature at Queen's Park in Toronto. View our latest digests A part of that legislation gives Ontario's cabinet the power to suspend provincial and municipal laws in so-called special economic zones in order to speed up projects such as mines. Premier Doug Ford has said the Ring of Fire would be the first such zone. Both pieces of legislation prompted outrage and protests at Queen's Park and Parliament Hill by First Nations who say the bills trample their rights and ignore their concerns. First Nations across the country, particularly those in northern Ontario, have warned they could turn to blockading roads, railways and mines if the legislation is not repealed. "There's no way the governments can amend those bills,"Kataquapit said. "Get rid of it, then maybe we can discuss other things." Neskantaga First Nation members have already flown to the Ring of Fire encampment site to prepare it and they plan to head back there this week to meet Kataquapit and his family, said Chief Gary Quisess. About a dozen Neskantaga community members made their way by boat plane to the proposed river crossing, built a dock and are ready to dig in for the long haul. "It's going to be a little, small community," Quisess said. "Our message is simple: no one will cross the Attawapiskat River without our free, prior and informed consent." Neskantaga wants the governments to help its community first before agreeing on any development deal. Its nursing station flooded two months ago and remains boarded up, Quisess said. The First Nation also holds a notorious record - it has been living under a boil-water advisory for 30 years. "We live in a third world," he said. The province has proposed three roads that would connect the provincial highway system to two First Nations, Webequie and Marten Falls, as well as the mining exploration site known as Eagle's Nest inside the Ring of Fire. That proposed mine is owned by Wyloo, an Australian company. Two environmental assessments have been completed and a third one is underway for those roads. The completed reports have said the roads will take four to six years to build. Two bridge crossings of the Attawapiskat River have also been proposed. Both Neskantaga and Attawapiskat First Nations reside on the Attawapiskat River some 450 kilometres apart and they revere the waters that have provided life and sustenance for generations. They plan to live off the river and the land once entrenched near the Ring of Fire. "The river is a very sacred area, many of our ancestors are buried along the shoreline, where they lived before," Quisess said. The Canadian Press asked Ford on Thursday how he planned to get consent from First Nations on his plans to mine the Ring of Fire. He said he plans to head north some time this summer after getting an invitation from several First Nations. "Nothing's better than sitting down, maybe fishing and breaking bread, and seeing exactly how I can support them, how the province can support them so their communities can thrive and prosper and grow," Ford said. In the days before his family embarked on their journey, Kataquapit held lengthy meetings with leadership to inform the rest of the community about the provincial and federal legislation. They also made several dozen Attawapiskat First Nation flags and family flags. Those flags are painted with handprints, signatures and messages like "Kill Bill 5." Kataquapit has been planting them on the shore along the river route. Some days, his family travels nine hours and up to 60 kilometres. Other days are slower and shorter, with the canoes moving between four and seven kilometres per hour, he said. "Around this time the river really starts to dry up, so it's really shallow in some parts, so we have to get off the boat and put on our long boots and drag the boats," he said. "It's just slow and steady travel. It's been long, it's been tough, but we are going to get there to stand with Neskantaga for all First Nations." This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 26, 2025.

‘This is our home': Two First Nations setting up encampment near proposed bridge to Ring of Fire
‘This is our home': Two First Nations setting up encampment near proposed bridge to Ring of Fire

CTV News

time26-06-2025

  • Politics
  • CTV News

‘This is our home': Two First Nations setting up encampment near proposed bridge to Ring of Fire

Jeronimo Kataquapit, right, and his father James A. Kataquapit, from Attawapiskat First Nation, are shown on the Attawapiskat River in this recent handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Jeronimo Kataquapit (Mandatory Credit) A political decision one thousand kilometres from Jeronimo Kataquapit's home in a remote First Nation near James Bay set the course for his summer. Now, the 20-year-old from Attawapiskat First Nation, his father, mother and older brother are headed upriver in two 24-foot freighter canoes on a 400-kilometre journey to 'reassert First Nations' presence' near the Ring of Fire region in northern Ontario. The family hopes to make it to their final stop, near a proposed bridge over the Attawapiskat River, by Saturday. There, they will meet a contingent from Neskantaga First Nation as the two communities unite to build a quasi-permanent encampment — and make a political statement. 'This is our home. This is our own territory, not just Attawapiskat's, but every nation in the area,' Kataquapit said in a recent phone interview with The Canadian Press, speaking from under a tarp in his canoe as his father navigated small rapids. They brought more than 200 litres of gasoline to run the 25-horsepower motors on their canoes. A generator also powers their Starlink kit that gives them access to high-speed internet from anywhere in order to document their travels on social media and stay connected to the outside world. The family left Attawapiskat on June 16 for the journey Kataquapit has dubbed 'Here We Stand,' which he said is a call to action to First Nations to show the federal and provincial governments they want to be consulted before any further development and mining in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire. The idea crystallized for Kataquapit in late May when Ottawa introduced Bill C-5, which Prime Minister Mark Carney's government said is designed to speed up major projects deemed to be in the 'national interest.' That bill, which was fast-tracked through the House of Commons and is now before the Senate, came on the heels of the similar Bill 5 that was rammed through the provincial legislature at Queen's Park in Toronto. A part of that legislation gives Ontario's cabinet the power to suspend provincial and municipal laws in so-called special economic zones in order to speed up projects such as mines. Premier Doug Ford has said the Ring of Fire would be the first such zone. Both pieces of legislation prompted outrage and protests at Queen's Park and Parliament Hill by First Nations who say the bills trample their rights and ignore their concerns. First Nations across the country, particularly those in northern Ontario, have warned they could turn to blockading roads, railways and mines if the legislation is not repealed. 'There's no way the governments can amend those bills,' Kataquapit said. 'Get rid of it, then maybe we can discuss other things.' Neskantaga First Nation members have already flown to the Ring of Fire encampment site to prepare it and they plan to head back there this week to meet Kataquapit and his family, said Chief Gary Quisess. About a dozen Neskantaga community members made their way by boat plane to the proposed river crossing, built a dock and are ready to dig in for the long haul. 'It's going to be a little, small community,' Quisess said. 'Our message is simple: no one will cross the Attawapiskat River without our free, prior and informed consent.' Neskantaga wants the governments to help its community first before agreeing on any development deal. Its nursing station flooded two months ago and remains boarded up, Quisess said. The First Nation also holds a notorious record — it has been living under a boil-water advisory for 30 years. 'We live in a third world,' he said. The province has proposed three roads that would connect the provincial highway system to two First Nations, Webequie and Marten Falls, as well as the mining exploration site known as Eagle's Nest inside the Ring of Fire. That proposed mine is owned by Wyloo, an Australian company. Two environmental assessments have been completed and a third one is underway for those roads. The completed reports have said the roads will take four to six years to build. Two bridge crossings of the Attawapiskat River have also been proposed. Both Neskantaga and Attawapiskat First Nations reside on the Attawapiskat River some 450 kilometres apart and they revere the waters that have provided life and sustenance for generations. They plan to live off the river and the land once entrenched near the Ring of Fire. 'The river is a very sacred area, many of our ancestors are buried along the shoreline, where they lived before,' Quisess said. In the days before his family's departure, Kataquapit held lengthy meetings with leadership to inform the rest of the community about the provincial and federal legislation. They also made several dozen Attawapiskat First Nation flags and family flags. Those flags are painted with handprints, signatures and messages like 'Kill Bill 5.' Kataquapit has been planting them on the shore along the river route. Some days, his family travels nine hours and up to 60 kilometres. Other days are slower and shorter, with the canoes moving between four and seven kilometres per hour, he said. 'Around this time the river really starts to dry up, so it's really shallow in some parts, so we have to get off the boat and put on our long boots and drag the boats,' he said. 'It's just slow and steady travel. It's been long, it's been tough, but we are going to get there to stand with Neskantaga for all First Nations.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 26, 2025. Liam Casey, The Canadian Press

Two First Nations setting up encampment near proposed bridge to Ring of Fire
Two First Nations setting up encampment near proposed bridge to Ring of Fire

Globe and Mail

time26-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Globe and Mail

Two First Nations setting up encampment near proposed bridge to Ring of Fire

A political decision one thousand kilometres from Jeronimo Kataquapit's home in a remote First Nation near James Bay set the course for his summer. Now, the 20-year-old from Attawapiskat First Nation, his father, mother and older brother are headed upriver in two 24-foot freighter canoes on a 400-kilometre journey to 'reassert First Nations' presence' near the Ring of Fire region in northern Ontario. The family hopes to make it to their final stop, near a proposed bridge over the Attawapiskat River, by Saturday. There, they will meet a contingent from Neskantaga First Nation as the two communities unite to build a quasi-permanent encampment — and make a political statement. 'This is our home. This is our own territory, not just Attawapiskat's, but every nation in the area,' Kataquapit said in a recent phone interview with The Canadian Press, speaking from under a tarp in his canoe as his father navigated small rapids. They brought more than 200 litres of gasoline to run the 25-horsepower motors on their canoes. A generator also powers their Starlink kit that gives them access to high-speed internet from anywhere in order to document their travels on social media and stay connected to the outside world. 'Nothing's off the table': AFN warns of potential legal action if Bill C-5 passes Ontario's Bill 5 has passed. Here's why it has sparked conflict with First Nations The family left Attawapiskat on June 16 for the journey Kataquapit has dubbed 'Here We Stand,' which he said is a call to action to First Nations to show the federal and provincial governments they want to be consulted before any further development and mining in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire. The idea crystallized for Kataquapit in late May when Ottawa introduced Bill C-5, which Prime Minister Mark Carney's government said is designed to speed up major projects deemed to be in the 'national interest.' That bill, which was fast-tracked through the House of Commons and is now before the Senate, came on the heels of the similar Bill 5 that was rammed through the provincial legislature at Queen's Park in Toronto. A part of that legislation gives Ontario's cabinet the power to suspend provincial and municipal laws in so-called special economic zones in order to speed up projects such as mines. Premier Doug Ford has said the Ring of Fire would be the first such zone. Both pieces of legislation prompted outrage and protests at Queen's Park and Parliament Hill by First Nations who say the bills trample their rights and ignore their concerns. First Nations across the country, particularly those in northern Ontario, have warned they could turn to blockading roads, railways and mines if the legislation is not repealed. 'There's no way the governments can amend those bills,' Kataquapit said. 'Get rid of it, then maybe we can discuss other things.' House approves Bill C-5 to fast-track projects, Carney pledges summer consultations with Indigenous leaders Doug Ford accuses First Nations of 'coming hat in hand' for government money, despite treating them 'like gold' Neskantaga First Nation members have already flown to the Ring of Fire encampment site to prepare it and they plan to head back there this week to meet Kataquapit and his family, said Chief Gary Quisess. About a dozen Neskantaga community members made their way by boat plane to the proposed river crossing, built a dock and are ready to dig in for the long haul. 'It's going to be a little, small community,' Quisess said. 'Our message is simple: no one will cross the Attawapiskat River without our free, prior and informed consent.' Neskantaga wants the governments to help its community first before agreeing on any development deal. Its nursing station flooded two months ago and remains boarded up, Quisess said. The First Nation also holds a notorious record — it has been living under a boil-water advisory for 30 years. 'We live in a third world,' he said. Opinion: If Canada is seeking an ideal nation-building project, it should invest in First Nations infrastructure The province has proposed three roads that would connect the provincial highway system to two First Nations, Webequie and Marten Falls, as well as the mining exploration site known as Eagle's Nest inside the Ring of Fire. That proposed mine is owned by Wyloo, an Australian company. Two environmental assessments have been completed and a third one is underway for those roads. The completed reports have said the roads will take four to six years to build. Two bridge crossings of the Attawapiskat River have also been proposed. Both Neskantaga and Attawapiskat First Nations reside on the Attawapiskat River some 450 kilometres apart and they revere the waters that have provided life and sustenance for generations. They plan to live off the river and the land once entrenched near the Ring of Fire. 'The river is a very sacred area, many of our ancestors are buried along the shoreline, where they lived before,' Quisess said. In the days before his family's departure, Kataquapit held lengthy meetings with leadership to inform the rest of the community about the provincial and federal legislation. They also made several dozen Attawapiskat First Nation flags and family flags. Those flags are painted with handprints, signatures and messages like 'Kill Bill 5.' Kataquapit has been planting them on the shore along the river route. Some days, his family travels nine hours and up to 60 kilometres. Other days are slower and shorter, with the canoes moving between four and seven kilometres per hour, he said. 'Around this time the river really starts to dry up, so it's really shallow in some parts, so we have to get off the boat and put on our long boots and drag the boats,' he said. 'It's just slow and steady travel. It's been long, it's been tough, but we are going to get there to stand with Neskantaga for all First Nations.'

Two First Nations setting up encampment near proposed bridge to Ring of Fire
Two First Nations setting up encampment near proposed bridge to Ring of Fire

Toronto Sun

time26-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Toronto Sun

Two First Nations setting up encampment near proposed bridge to Ring of Fire

Published Jun 26, 2025 • Last updated 10 minutes ago • 4 minute read Jeronimo Kataquapit and his father, James A. Kataquapit, were on the boat along the Attawapiskat River. Photo by Jeronimo Kataquapit / CP Photo A political decision one thousand kilometres from Jeronimo Kataquapit's home in a remote First Nation near James Bay set the course for his summer. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Now, the 20-year-old from Attawapiskat First Nation, his father, mother and older brother are headed upriver in two 24-foot freighter canoes on a 400-kilometre journey to 'reassert First Nations' presence' near the Ring of Fire region in northern Ontario. The family hopes to make it to their final stop, near a proposed bridge over the Attawapiskat River, by Saturday. There, they will meet a contingent from Neskantaga First Nation as the two communities unite to build a quasi-permanent encampment — and make a political statement. 'This is our home. This is our own territory, not just Attawapiskat's, but every nation in the area,' Kataquapit said in a recent phone interview with The Canadian Press, speaking from under a tarp in his canoe as his father navigated small rapids. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. They brought more than 200 litres of gasoline to run the 25-horsepower motors on their canoes. A generator also powers their Starlink kit that gives them access to high-speed internet from anywhere in order to document their travels on social media and stay connected to the outside world. The family left Attawapiskat on June 16 for the journey Kataquapit has dubbed 'Here We Stand,' which he said is a call to action to First Nations to show the federal and provincial governments they want to be consulted before any further development and mining in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire. The idea crystallized for Kataquapit in late May when Ottawa introduced Bill C-5, which Prime Minister Mark Carney's government said is designed to speed up major projects deemed to be in the 'national interest.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. That bill, which was fast-tracked through the House of Commons and is now before the Senate, came on the heels of the similar Bill 5 that was rammed through the provincial legislature at Queen's Park in Toronto. A part of that legislation gives Ontario's cabinet the power to suspend provincial and municipal laws in so-called special economic zones in order to speed up projects such as mines. Premier Doug Ford has said the Ring of Fire would be the first such zone. Both pieces of legislation prompted outrage and protests at Queen's Park and Parliament Hill by First Nations who say the bills trample their rights and ignore their concerns. First Nations across the country, particularly those in northern Ontario, have warned they could turn to blockading roads, railways and mines if the legislation is not repealed. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'There's no way the governments can amend those bills,' Kataquapit said. 'Get rid of it, then maybe we can discuss other things.' Neskantaga First Nation members have already flown to the Ring of Fire encampment site to prepare it and they plan to head back there this week to meet Kataquapit and his family, said Chief Gary Quisess. About a dozen Neskantaga community members made their way by boat plane to the proposed river crossing, built a dock and are ready to dig in for the long haul. 'It's going to be a little, small community,' Quisess said. 'Our message is simple: no one will cross the Attawapiskat River without our free, prior and informed consent.' Neskantaga wants the governments to help its community first before agreeing on any development deal. Its nursing station flooded two months ago and remains boarded up, Quisess said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The First Nation also holds a notorious record — it has been living under a boil-water advisory for 30 years. 'We live in a third world,' he said. The province has proposed three roads that would connect the provincial highway system to two First Nations, Webequie and Marten Falls, as well as the mining exploration site known as Eagle's Nest inside the Ring of Fire. That proposed mine is owned by Wyloo, an Australian company. Two environmental assessments have been completed and a third one is underway for those roads. The completed reports have said the roads will take four to six years to build. Two bridge crossings of the Attawapiskat River have also been proposed. Both Neskantaga and Attawapiskat First Nations reside on the Attawapiskat River some 450 kilometres apart and they revere the waters that have provided life and sustenance for generations. They plan to live off the river and the land once entrenched near the Ring of Fire. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'The river is a very sacred area, many of our ancestors are buried along the shoreline, where they lived before,' Quisess said. In the days before his family's departure, Kataquapit held lengthy meetings with leadership to inform the rest of the community about the provincial and federal legislation. They also made several dozen Attawapiskat First Nation flags and family flags. Those flags are painted with handprints, signatures and messages like 'Kill Bill 5.' Kataquapit has been planting them on the shore along the river route. Some days, his family travels nine hours and up to 60 kilometres. Other days are slower and shorter, with the canoes moving between four and seven kilometres per hour, he said. 'Around this time the river really starts to dry up, so it's really shallow in some parts, so we have to get off the boat and put on our long boots and drag the boats,' he said. 'It's just slow and steady travel. It's been long, it's been tough, but we are going to get there to stand with Neskantaga for all First Nations.' Canada CFL Sunshine Girls Celebrity Music

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