Proposed marine conservation area in Ontario's far north draws mixed reaction

A feasibility study has recommended a national marine conservation area in Ontario's far north go ahead, but not everyone in the region thinks it's a good idea.

Leaders from Mushkegowuk Council, which represents seven First Nations in northern Ontario, formally accepted the feasibility study at a ceremony in Kashechewan First Nation on Feb. 21.

The proposed marine conservation area would cover a 91,000 square-kilometre area along the soutwestern shorelines of James Bay and north along Hudson Bay.

In December 2022 the federal government announced it would commit $800 million to support four major Indigenous-led marine conservation projects across Canada. The proposed marine conservation area in Ontario's far north was one of them.

Liberal MP Adam van Koeverden, the parliamentary secretary for the minister of the Environment Conservation and Parks, was at the event in Kashechewan, where he expressed the government's support for the project.

"When we put our paddles in the water at the same time, we tend to make more progress and get to our goal more quickly, a smoother ride when we're paddling at the same time," said van Koeverden, who was an Olympic kayaker.

Mushkegowuk Deputy Grand Chief Natasha Martin also shared her support for the conservation area, and emphasized that Indigenous people would be in the driver's seat on the project.

"This is where we determine what is good for us at that community level, and what is good for the land," she said.

"We take the lead in making the connections with our partners and allies, and who we choose to work with."

But others at the meeting shared their misgivings about the project, and were not convinced the government would be committed to protecting the area.

Fort Albany First Nation Coun. Madeline Scott said the money the federal government promised would eventually run out.

"What then?" she asked. "We know how to take care of our land. We do that every day."

Attawapiskat First Nation Coun. Steve Hookimaw said the provincial government did not sufficiently protect the land near his community when DeBeers developed, and later closed, the Victor diamond mine.

Lawrence Martin, the manager of lands and resources with Mushkegowuk Council, said he understood the trauma Indigenous people have suffered due to past broken promises with Canada and Ontario, but said this project would be different.

"It's a new game, having Indigenous thought and world view in how we take care of the land, it's a new thing," he said.

Mushkegowuk Council hasn't yet secured Ontario's support on the project.

Martin said that will be needed to negotiate a land use planning strategy with Ontario for the proposed 20-kilometre buffer along the area's shoreline, which would cover areas affected by future development including dams, mining claims and forestry.

The provincial Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks said in an email to CBC News it hasn't discussed the project because it falls under federal jurisdiction.