The Ontario Provincial government seeks intervenor status in a mining and treaty dispute between Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation and Platinex Inc. in northern Ontario. In July, 2006, the Ontario Supreme Court ruled in favor of KI and threw out the Platinex Inc. suit of $10 billion dollars against the First Nation. It also decided […]

Meadowbank gold mine gets approval from Nunavut Impact Review Board regarding development proposals for upper reaches of the Quioch River system 70 km north of Baker Lake. Proposal includes development of a permanent four season road from Baker Lake to mine site, open pit vaults, onsite mill and processing plant, airstrip, and storage facilities in […]

The Grand Council of the Crees, Eeyou Istchee, cites concerns over permit process for EM 1-A Rupert River Diversion Project. The environmental assessment report was submitted in early December to little public comment or fanfare, and quickly approved by Quebec and Federal governments. The CBC reports that federal Labour Minister, Jean-Pierre Blackburn, advised Harper to […]

Harper feels time is right for hydro development diverting Rupert River in northern Quebec. The federal government approves development deal that will bring 843 megawatts a day to Quebec’s power grid (or 2.8% of Quebec’s current energy requirements). “This project is too important for first nations [sic], the province of Quebec and for Canada,” said […]

Three James Bay Cree communities most affected by the Eastmain 1A-Rupert Diversion have voted to oppose the project. The diversion of the historic and free-flowing Rupert River, one of the largest rivers in Quebec, will impact 165 lakes, five rivers, and flood over 1,000 square kilometers of old growth boreal forest in the James Bay […]

Imperial Oil and Shell Canada are proposing an airstrip, large camp, and processing facilities on 3.5 sq. km of land in the 600 sq. km Kendall Island Bird Sanctuary in the Mackenzie River Delta. Hearings are currently taking place in Inuvik (Nov. 22-25) and Yellowknife (Dec. 5-8th) – but dates frequently change. The hearings are […]

On January 27, 2005, Tahera Diamond’s Jericho mine in Nunavut was granted its water license giving it the go-ahead for an open pit and underground mine 350 km southwest of Cambridge Bay promising 60 jobs in the construction phase, and another 166 during the first phase. One year later, January 2006, Tahera begins production of […]

Proposals to expand Nahanni National Park Reserve, and protect the watershed from additional impact from Zinc and Tungsten mines, has resulted in hearings from Parks Canada, letters from environmental groups and wilderness advocates, and expanded land claims and self-government negotiations from First Nations communities. The Nahanni Reserve was created in 1972 to protect the popular […]

Oct 28, 2006: 15 years ago, Baker Lake rejected a bid by Cogema Resources for a proposed uranium mine (Kiggavik-Sissons) 80 kilometers west of the community. The new parent company, Areva, has recently opened up a public relations office in the town to raise community support and renew their bid. Titan Uranium is also meeting […]

In a signing ceremony on Oct. 13, 2006, Lutsel K’e and Parks Canada agree to creation of a new park in the East Arm of Great Slave Lake and adjoining lands. Previously opposed 30 years ago, because it was thought such a park would interfere with hunting rights, Lutsel K’e has reversed its decision. The […]