NIIWIN WENDAANIMOK TO CONDUCT HIA OPENING CEREMONY FOR PHASE 2 OF THE TWINNING OF TRANSCANADA HIGHWAY

April 14, 2023

WAUZHUSHK ONIGUM NATION – The leadership of Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation, Washagamis Bay First Nation, Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, and Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation, collectively known as the NIIWIN WENDAANIMOK PARTNERSHIP and the Government of Ontario (represented by the Ministry of Transportation) will enter into ceremony at the Wauzhushk Onigum Roundhouse on Thursday April 13^th, 2023 to mark the beginning of discussions for Phase 2 of the Twinning of the Trans Canada Highway.

The Ceremony will be conducted under the law and guidance of Manito Aki Inakonigaawin (“MAI”) (The Great Earth Law) and will initiate the planning work to be conducted through the Harmonized Impact Assessment (“HIA”).

Rooted in MAI, the HIA is a process based on a ground-breaking model developed by the Niiwin Wendaanimok Partnership that continues to receive national recognition for its innovation in bringing together Anishinaabe understandings and processes with western science to assess impacts and mitigation. Through it, we have ensured that the impacts of Phase 1 on our shared Territory have been considered and mitigated through our sacred laws and customary knowledge systems in a holistic way, through our Anishinaabe Guardians overseeing the work, and in a way that provides meaningful opportunities for the four Nations.

The HIA was central to the building of a positive working relationship with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) in Phase 1 of the Project. In February 2020, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Government of Ontario and Niiwin Wendaanimok, confirming the Crown’s commitment to respecting these laws and protocols.

“The beginning of Phase 2 of this historic project represents our government’s commitment to build legacy infrastructure projects across Ontario while enhancing road safety across the North,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Member of Provincial Parliament for Kenora–Rainy River. “We are confident that this project will unlock cross-provincial economic development and gainful employment. Under Premier Ford’s leadership, we are continuing to build Northwestern Ontario the right way.”

While significant work is yet to be done, this ceremony marks an important beginning. The HIA for Phase 2 will focus on the area around the TransCanada Highway between Highway 673 and Rush Bay Road. Conditional consent from the Anishinaabeg for Phase 2 is still pending.