First Nation youth in northeastern Ontario took to the streets of Timmins to protest the Ontario government’s recent introduction of Bill 5 which aims to fast track resource development in northern Ontario.

“This is an important event for me to take part in because this government action will affect my future and it will affect everything including the land, the water and the animals everywhere. Their decisions will bypass laws, our people’s rights and directly affect our lives. I wanted to be part of this protest and to help out in any way I could. It was astonishing to see how everyone came together and to see the Eagle staffs, the regalias, the drumming, the flags and the people. I want to say Kitchi-Meegwetch (thanks very much) to absolutely everyone who came out to support us,” said 20 year old Leeon Prince, Mattagami First Nation, one of the organizers.

The new bill aims to reduce regulatory processes across major infrastructure, mining and resource projects and allow the government to bypass critical processes that will affect environmental, ecological and First Nation rights, particularly in the Ring of Fire region of western James Bay. According to the Chiefs of Ontario, ‘Bill 5 significantly weakens environmental protections, reduces oversight of mining and development projects, and limits opportunities for First Nations consultation and consent’.

“I was honoured to take part in this youth led event and it was very inspiring to see youth from our community and from throughout the north take such direct action to protect our lands, our communities and our rights. I'm hopeful that the government will reconsider what they've tried to push through and for them to recognize that they have fractured the trust that was being built between the provincial government and industry and First Nations communities and First Nations people,” said Chief Jennifer Constant, Mattagami FN.

The Youth Led Protest Against Bill 5 was organized and led by local Timmins First Nation youth Shem Mattinas, Katherine Jeremiah-Génier, Leeon Prince and Kendrick Jeremiah. They were supported by Vanessa Génier, a member of Missanabie First Nation and CEO and founder of Quilts for Survivors, a nationally recognized group that advocates for and honours survivors of Canada’s residential school system.

The event was led by MC Ariana Kioke-Budd and it started at the Participark in Timmins with a march by organizers, leaders, supporters and participants to the front of City Hall in the downtown area. Students from Mattagami First Nation showed up to participate. Although originally planned for a small sidewalk event, police shut down the main thoroughfare of the city in front of City Hall as the crowd was larger than expected.

The gathering also included prayers and ceremonies by Elder Angela Shisheesh along with Elders Morris Naveau, Margaret Okimaw and other Elders who took part. The schedule of events also included traditional drumming and singing by local performers, as well as participants attending in traditional regalia and performing on ceremonial hand drums.

“I am here to support the youth of our communities. It is great to see our young people here today. We have to stand strong to support our youth, our land, our rights and for our Mother Earth,” commented Elder Morris Naveau, Mattagami First Nation.

The event brought together many speakers and supporters of the protest including: Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN); Deputy Grand Chief Natasha Martin, Mushkegowuk Council; Chief Elizabeth Kataquapit and Deputy Chief Terry Metatawabin, of Fort Albany First Nation; Chief Jennifer Constant, Mattagami First Nation; Mayor Michelle Boileau, City of Timmins and Charlie Angus, former Member of Parliament. The gathering saw supporters attend from the city including representatives and supporters from the First Nations of Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Attawapiskat, Flying Post and Mattagami, as well as representation from Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services (NAPS).