Media Advisory – Positive collaboration between First Nations and the mining sector

Press Release

(Toronto, Ont.–Feb. 27, 2025) On March 3, 2025, the Chiefs of Ontario will hold a media event to discuss collaboration between First Nations and the mining sector during the 2025 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada Convention (PDAC).

Ontario is home to many of the critical resources in Canada. It is also home to First Nations who have lived on this land since time immemorial. As global demands for critical minerals surge, and trade war with the United States approaches, it is now more important than ever for governments and industry proponents to work with First Nations in a way that respects their jurisdiction, sovereignty, title, and inherent and Treaty rights, and preserves First Nations heritage, so that projects can be mutually beneficial.

This press conference will help facilitate crucial discussions between First Nations, industry representatives and government officials.

Among the topics that will be discussed are:

• What is First Nations jurisdiction? What are treaties? What are Ancestral territory and heritage protection? How do we share land?
• What do positive interactions with First Nations in Ontario look like? What can go wrong?
• How can working with First Nations in Ontario be beneficial to private industry?
• First Nation consultation pitfalls and false claims to First Nation ancestry
• Mining and development consultation and initiatives, impact benefit agreements (IBAs), resource revenue sharing best practices and considerations

The event will take place during on Monday, March 3 at 1 p.m. during the 2025 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada Convention at Delta Hotels. There will be a virtual option as well.

Speakers:

• Chief Shelly Moore-Frappier, Temagami First Nation
• Chief Jason Gauthier, Missanabie Cree First Nation
• Scott McLeod, Lake Huron Regional Chief Anishinabek Nation
• Jason Batise, Executive Director, Wabun Tribal Council

Following their statements, Leadership will be available to answer questions from the media.

Members of the media are cordially invited to attend as follows:

Date: Monday, March 3, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EST
Location: Delta Hotels Toronto 75 Lower Simcoe St, Toronto, Ont., M5J 3A6. Room TBD.

Media accreditation is required. Please contact Charlotte Croft, communications coordinator at Charlotte.Croft@coo.org, for registration. There will be a virtual option as well.

There is no cost for accredited media to attend.

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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ChiefsOfOntario

Media Contact:
Isak Vaillancourt
Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: 416-819-8184
Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org

Charlotte Croft (on-site)
Communications Coordinator
Mobile: (647) 972-2718
Email: Charlotte.Croft@coo.org

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