A gold exploration project, poised to enter the advanced exploration stage, just east of Dryden is facing some new obstacles.

Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON) Chief Ruben Cantin Sr. has served notice of non-compliance and a stay of all operations to Treasury Metals Incorporated, until a satisfactory memorandum of understanding is executed.

The Chief and council of WLON have requested direct intervention with Minister Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Northern Development and Mines, on a stay of operations proposed by the exploration company.

According to Cantin, Treasury Metals Incorporated is operating within the traditional territory of WLON, within the Treaty #3 territory, without free and prior consent, and has expressed an unwillingness to negotiate any agreements that support the objectives of WLON.

Cantin, supported by WLON council and its membership, expressed great frustration with the status quo approach by this mining company to avoid any recognition of rights, title and interests on treaty and traditional lands.

“This type of behaviour reflects the turn of the century thinking and will not be condoned by our council and the community,” said Cantin.

Cantin says Ontario has taken an approach in Treaty #3, and their territory, that shifts responsibility to mining companies to fulfill Crown obligations and have simply walked away. Cantin feels this type of thinking is short-sighted and does not recognize their rights, interests and title upon the land.

Part of the documentation issued to Treasury Metals reads, “Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation is prepared to take any and all necessary measures to protect and assert its ancestral, treaty, and aboriginal rights over the said traditional territory lands. We urge you to honour the direction to discontinue all activities, failing which, enforcement measures will be necessary.”

WLON is awaiting for a response from Bartolucci, and support from Grand Council Treaty #3. Cantin was unavailable for further comment at press time.