After a long, hard fight against mining interests on their land, the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) indigenous community in northern Ontario has finally won its battle. The Toronto-based Platinex, Inc. had pursued platinum mining exploration in the region for eleven years, and has finally given up its staked claim near the KI community in exchange for a financial settlement with the provincial government. The proposed project would have threatened the health and livelihood of the indigenous community, which lies 125 miles from the nearest road, in the Boreal Forest of northern Ontario.
Greengrants has been one of the only sources of funding for direct action by Ontario First Nation communities to protect their forests and traditional lands, contributing seven grants totaling $30,400 in the last four years. With a grant recommended by Greengrants’ Global Advisor, the Rainforest Action Network, the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug community set up a camp on lands threatened by Platinex, as part of a series of actions to promote a moratorium on resource development in their territory. This action was an important step in building public support for the KI First Nation and strengthening links with other communities also facing threats from logging and mining. With their latest victory, the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug community has set a remarkable precedent for indigenous land rights across the globe.
To view the official press release from the KI chief, Donny Morris, click here.