A mining company’s decision to withdraw from a culturally significant area in northern Ontario has been lauded by the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation as a demonstration of “true reconciliation.” Landore Resources Canada Inc., the company behind the BAM Gold Project near Thunder Bay, has withdrawn its application to renew its mining lease on the Seeley property following concerns raised by the First Nation.
The Seeley property holds cultural importance for the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, too known as the Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation. Chief Duncan Michano stated the withdrawal exemplifies genuine reconciliation, emphasizing, “If you want true reconciliation with First Nations, that is the kind of thing you do: you give land back.”
This decision arrives as the Ontario government intensifies its push for development in the resource-rich north, particularly in the Ring of Fire region. Premier Doug Ford has projected the Ring of Fire will contribute $22 billion to Canada’s economy and create 70,000 jobs. Still, many First Nations have voiced opposition, citing insufficient consultation with Indigenous communities.
Biigtigong Nishnaabeg asserts it is not against development, but insists it must align with the community’s priorities. “We understand that you demand to have development…the demand for resources all around the world is growing,” said Michano. “But there’s certain areas where we have strong interest that we don’t want developed at all.” Debi Bouchie, CEO of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, added, “I think what’s important for proponents and industries to remember is to have that dialogue and to include First Nations. Don’t do it in absence of us.”
The Ontario government implemented a notice of caution in its mining lands administration system in 2020, alerting the mining industry to Aboriginal title claims in the region. Subsequently, in 2024, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg issued a public notice identifying areas north of Lake Superior of cultural significance, where mineral exploration and development would be detrimental to the community.
Landore Resources Canada Inc. Has a history of collaboration with Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, previously returning land in the Coldwell area – a historically significant fishing village – after initially staking a claim there. Michano highlighted the importance of building relationships with companies, stating, “You can’t always be fighting. You gotta attempt to make them understand why it’s a good thing to return the land.” He also noted that private citizens have voluntarily returned land to the First Nation, recognizing the significance of land repatriation as a form of reconciliation.
The community of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, with a population of approximately 450, is described as progressive and open to economic opportunities that benefit its members, while prioritizing the preservation of culturally important areas. Bouchie explained, “We have been strong supporters of various industry…but it won’t be at the cost of what is important to our community — so it’s a balancing of that piece that we really work on.”
Landore Resources Canada Inc. Stated in a recent news release that demonstrating commitment to environmental and social governance through action is crucial. Michele Tuomi of Landore Resources Canada Inc. Affirmed the company’s dedication to “responsible and sustainable mineral exploration practices that prioritize the well-being of our stakeholders, the environment, and communities in which we operate.”
As prospecting activity increases throughout northern Ontario, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg hopes Landore’s approach will serve as a model for other companies operating in the region. Bouchie expressed optimism that others will “see it and follow suit.”
