Mi’gmaq Opposed To Federal Plan To Dump Mine Waste Into Salmon-bearing Stream

The Mi’gmag Chiefs represented by Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn are disappointed to learn that on June 22, 2019, the federal cabinet approved changes to the Metal Mining and Effluent Regulations that will allow the Sisson Mine to dump mine tailings in two fish-bearing streams in the Nashwaak watershed. The Mi’gmaq were only informed of this decision several weeks after the fact, on July 10th.

The Mi’gmaq have provided the federal and provincial governments with their concerns on the project throughout the Environmental Assessment process. This includes evidence that shows the Mi’gmaq exercise Treaty Rights in the Sisson Mine Project area.

“This project impacts the Mi’gmaq, and does not have our consent to proceed,” said Chief George Ginnish, Co-Chair of Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn. “The provincial and federal governments continue to ignore the concerns of the Mi’gmaq Chiefs and the Indigenous knowledge and land use of the Mi’gmaq in the project area.”

Although the project received provincial environmental approval in 2015, with several conditions requiring engagement with First Nations, there has been no engagement by either the Province or the proponent since that time.

The Mi’gmaq Chiefs of New Brunswick will continue to oppose this project and work to ensure the rights of the Mi’gmaq people are protected now and for the future.

Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn is an organization that represents eight of the Mi’gmaq communities in New Brunswick on matters related to the protection and implementation of their Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and Title.