‘Balance’ required in Ring of Fire development, says BC First Nations leader – Victoria Times Colonist

NOVEMBER 12, 2013

TORONTO – A First Nations leader from B.C. says aboriginal communities in Ontario’s Ring of Fire could benefit from striking a balance between mining development and land preservation.

Annita McPhee is president of the northwestern B.C. First Nations Tahltan Central Committee and says a balanced approach is required in negotiating how the northern Ontario mineral deposit will be developed.

McPhee says while it is important to sustain the mineral-rich land in the James Bay First Nations territory, opening it up to external industries offers potential monetary and employment benefits.

In the Tahltan territory of B.C., mining development created tensions between First Nations and mining corporations from as early as 2005.

Read more: http://www.timescolonist.com/balance-required-in-ring-of-fire-development-says-b-c-first-nations-leader-1.693053