TIMMINS, ON – The Friends of the Attawapiskat River, a Treaty 9 Indigenous grassroots advocacy group, are calling out the government of Ontario for proposing legislative changes that violate Natural law and Indigenous rights.
Bill 5, Protecting Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025, was introduced on April 17, 2025, and threatens to prioritize economic interests over environmental protection and respect for human rights.
“The government is using the ‘tariff war’ as an excuse for greed, to advance personal and private gain,” remarked the Friends’ founder Michel Koostachin in response to Bill 5’s intent to designate the proposed Ring of Fire area as a “Special Economic Zone.” If Bill 5 passed, this region would see laws stripped in favour of private interests.
“You cannot keep digging up Mother Earth for a dollar, because you’re digging up something that can’t be replaced,” said another member of the Friends. “Our rivers, our wildlife, and our communities are all at risk from the proposed mining developments. We will not stand by while our lands are destroyed.”
Last month, the Friends released a statement declaring the lands and waters in Treaty 9 where the Ring of Fire mining development is proposed as protected under their Natural Law. This declaration, known as the “Protection Declaration,” affirms their commitment to safeguarding the Hudson–James Bay Lowlands, one of the world’s most critical carbon sinks and a region of deep cultural and ecological importance.
“We are protectors, not protestors. It is our duty and responsibility to protect our Mother Earth, our water, that gives us life,” remarked Michel Koostachin. “We have seen what greed did to our traditional territory and the contamination caused by De Beers’ mining projects to our river. We have a duty to stand up and protect these lands. They are not just resources to be extracted – they are living, breathing relatives that sustain us all.”
“We are here to remind the world that we are the water people of the Omushkegowuk territory. Within our lakes, creeks, rivers, the carbon sink and the ocean, we live in harmony with the aquatic, the four legged and the winged ones. These are our Natural Laws from Creator.”
The Friends remain committed to stopping Bill 5 and amplifying the voices of the many Northern and Indigenous communities who have already spoken out in opposition to the Bill, especially considering the lack of any consultation in its development.
“This Bill is not a constitutional law but greed – greed that will destroy our future, and the future of those not yet born.”
The Friends are headed to Queens Park in Toronto to amplify the voice of the Indigenous grassroots. Please consider supporting our efforts:
- Send an instant message to the province using this “Action Alert” prepared by our pro bono legal counsel, Legal Advocates for Nature’s Defence
- Sign the “Protection Declaration”
- Please consider a donation! Any amount directly supports our ability to amplify the voice of Indigenous communities who stand to be directly impacted by the proposed Ring of Fire.
- Review Legal Advocates for Nature’s Defence’s Legal Briefing, unpacking the implications of Bill 5
Media Contact:
Michel J. Koostachin
Founder, Friends of the Attawapiskat River
friendsoftheattawapiskat@gmail.com
