A First Nation is taking the Ontario government and gold explorers to court to prevent mining activity on 260 square kilometres of the Nation’s territory. On Tuesday, Ginoogaming First Nation went to the Ontario Superior Court seeking an injunction against mining activities until the Nation can argue its full legal rights. “It is a cultural keystone area that’s described by First Nation members as their heart and soul,” said Kate Kempton, a lawyer for the Nation, in a phone interview. “They switched over from holding up the consultation to the rhetoric of ‘Now it’s a sacred area that’s gotta be protected’,” Malouf told the court. She said what is unique is that Ginoogaming are “not seeking to prove title” to the lands, but inherent rights.

Source: thestar June 02, 2021 21:22 UTC