b'COMMUNITY-LED PROJECTIndividual EA, which is the highest levelIn times like these, it might be a slowresources [to] be available and that the of environmental scrutiny a project canprocess, but it is as important as it haspeoples economy and ways of making a undergo, in order to ensure decision- ever been.living [are] able to transition according to makers have the most thorough analysisMFFN Anishinabeg regard the land andthe needs of the people and modernity.to make informed choices regarding theits resources as a gift from the Creator toThe key to the community-driven process project. This choice was made very earlyuse and believe they have been bestowedis the voluntary spirit of the community on, and it set the values and displayed thethe role as stewards of the land, Chiefto come out to events and share their leadership the MFFN would undertakeAchneepineskum explains. The MFFNthoughts, input, concerns and knowledge in this process. In the EA process, apeople wish to see the lands, waters andthat can help shape and improve the combination of Indigenous Knowledgeresources continue to yield its resourcesproject. Without people volunteering their and western scientific studies enablefor the seven generations to come. Thetime for these regular events, the project a much deeper level of analysis andtraditional pursuits of hunting and fishingteam would not have the information thoughtful decision-making. The input ofpromised in the Treaty are to continue,available to identify key concerns and neighbouring communities is also vital.but also the continued use of all otheraddress them using community knowledge and western scientific studies. This volunteerism helps guide and improve the project. Without this, it would notbe possible to conduct a robust community-led EA.Environmental Protection and Economic Progress With this project, the community hopes to strike a balance between benefiting from the economic potentials of the land they have inhabited since time immemorial while also protecting the land and water that has enabled their traditional way of life. This breaks new ground in Canada, where a First Nation is not only involved in a major project but is also leading it as a proponent. In this way, the MFFN, in collaboration with the JFK Law represents Indigenous communities throughout Canada.province, is paving the way to economic We work with our clients to advance their Nations, protect their rightsreconciliation for their community and and build their economies. the region. This road will enable the Driven by a passion for justice, we offer creative legal solutionsdevelopment of other infrastructure and work towards meaningful change. required to build mining projects in the Ring of Fire. All of these projects will require their own EAs, so a Regional Assessment by the Federal Government is Litigation and Dispute Resolution Consultation, Accommodationin the works. This ensures decision-makers receive comprehensive baseline studies and Using the courts strategically toand Regulatory Review data to make informed choices regarding advance your AboriginalMaking the Crown respect thethe project.and Treaty Rightsduty to consult and accommodate As we face a new economic downturn, the MFFN will continue to work towards creating a project that benefits their Complex Negotiations Capacity and Governance community and sets up new opportunities Securing and implementing your Helping build strong,for the region and the wider province. This project is a large project, and communitys rights throughsustainable communities it will create a lot of training and job complex negotiations opportunities for Marten Falls, but we also want to share these benefits equitably with our neighbours, Chief Victoria Office Vancouver Office Achneepineskum explains. I think P: 250 405.3460TF: 1 888 687.8388 the potential for this project to benefit 816 - 1175 Douglas Street 340 - 1122 Mainland Street our neighbouring communities is very Victoria, BC V8W 2E1 Vancouver, BC V6B 5L1 significant, and I want to see other First Nations benefit from this. I am very Working Together for Justice and Reconciliation optimistic that the positive economic www.jfklaw.ca impact of this project will be felt across the province.76 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020'