Mines, moves, mediators

Enter the heat dome

ABOVE THE FOLD

RING OF IRE — First Nations have inked a deal with the Ford government for new roads near the Ring of Fire — but one chief is calling out the province’s efforts for reconciliation.

The fine print: Four First Nations — Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Aroland First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation and Long Lake #58 First Nation — are getting new and improved roads, infrastructure, skills training and a rest stop as the Tories gear up to mine the mineral-rich region and create a manufacturing chain for EV batteries. Details — and fraught history — from the Canadian Press.

The deal is another major win notched in the government’s belt, as Indigenous communities have fought mining on their traditional territories without their consent. It also didn’t help when Mines Minister GEORGE PIRIE said the North is “largely empty and begging for exploration drill holes.”

Enter SHERI TAYLOR, Ginoogaming First Nation Chief, who called out the province at the announcement featuring DO…