The speech referenced the “untapped potential of the Ring of Fire” — an area of muskeg swamps, lakes, and forests in the James Bay Lowlands. Several mining operations are being proposed and mineral exploration is underway in the Ring of Fire. But the throne speech did not mention affected First Nation communities, who are grappling with incomplete consultations, accommodation and environmental assessment of mining in their territories.

“The provincial government has been clear — they view the development of the Ring of Fire area as a key economic driver for years to come. The First Nations in the Ring of Fire area have been equally clear that they expect to be directly involved in the development from beginning to end.” said Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse.

Sudbury Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Rick Bartolucci was named Minister of Northern Development and Mines October 20, 2011. He faces the task of bringing into force amendments made to Ontario’s Mining Act in 2009. The amendments include a clause so First Nation communities can withdraw land from development by showing it is a site of cultural or spiritual significance, although criteria for showing either have not been outlined.

The Minister’s task to make the amendments work will be complicated by recent happenings:

• A landmark August 16, 2011 Ontario’s Superior Court decision granted Grassy Narrows First Nations the right to reject development activities on their territory;
• Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) objected to mining operations on its traditional lands earlier in October 2011;
• Matawa First Nation announced their decision to withdraw support for development in the Ring of Fire area of Northern Ontario.