Neskantaga First Nation Resists Ontario Road to Ring of Fire Over Cultural and Environmental Risks

Neskantaga First Nation, whose members have been evacuated to Toronto twice this summer, is resisting Ontario's plan to build a road across the Attawapiskat River that would link the province to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire. Council member Brad Moonias argues the road would damage the world’s second-largest peatland, spread pollutants, and disrupt centuries-old hunting, fishing and burial practices. A mapping project led by GIS analyst Nessie Nankivell for Forensic Architecture documents traditional camp sites, eskers and likely burial grounds, underscoring the community’s claim to the land.

The province has already funded road projects for Webequie, Marten Falls and Aroland, offering $39.5 million each, but Neskantaga says the money does not cover its infrastructure needs. The community also demands a share of future mining revenues, recalling past disappointments with the De Beers diamond mine. Ontario says road construction is ahead of schedule and expects openings by 2030, but Neskantaga warns the development will irrevocably alter their way of life.