Indigenous community, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, rejects proposed alliance for silica mining operation
The Brokenhead Ojibway Nation (BON), located approximately 70 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, has made a significant decision in the realm of resource development. Last week, the community held a referendum, and the results were recently shared on Facebook.
A total of 310 ballots were cast in the referendum, with the proposed partnership with Sio Silica being voted against by 181 members. The BON respects this outcome and has committed to proceeding according to the members' direction.
In a statement, the Chief and council of the BON emphasized that this referendum result would serve as a foundation for developing clearer, community-driven processes for future engagement in the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation. They expect any future proposals for resource extraction within their territory to be presented to their membership to ensure meaningful involvement in decision-making.
The BON leadership expressed gratitude for the community's participation and expressed that future engagement processes will be designed to be more transparent and community-led, reflecting members' expectations and concerns. The aim is to establish more structured and inclusive engagement processes with their members for any future resource development discussions, giving precedence to member consultation and consent as fundamental components moving forward.
The BON Chief and council also took the opportunity to thank community members for participating in the referendum. While 129 members voted "yes" to the proposal, the majority's voice has been heard, and the BON is ready to move forward with a renewed commitment to community-driven decision-making in resource development matters.
- The Brokenhead Ojibway Nation's Chief and council have announced their intention to establish more transparent and community-led processes for future resource development discussions, giving precedence to member consultation and consent as fundamental components.
- Any future proposals for resource extraction within the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation's territory will be presented to their membership to ensure meaningful involvement in decision-making, following the community's direction as demonstrated in the recent referendum on the proposed partnership with Sio Silica.
