EDITORIAL - Let's talk: Yesno

On Wednesday, newly elected Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Harvey Yesno said he’s tired of talking to people who can’t make decisions. It’s time for action, he said, making his first appearance before Thunder?Bay’s media.

With the Ring of Fire set to explode, and dozens of communities hoping for jobs, roads and other economic spinoffs, Yesno said it’s time for serious discussions, with serious outcomes, plans and partnerships a must.

The time for protests are over, he added, but that doesn’t mean First Nations impacted by development, whether in the Ring of Fire or elsewhere, can’t protect their lands.

It’s a conversation starting point that likely should have happened decades ago, but one that’s time is ripe, given the implications the Ring of Fire brings.

If profits are to be made from their traditional lands, First Nations deserve their fair share.

Protests are not the answer, dialogue is.

To this point, meaningful discussions haven’t happend. Ontarians of all backgrounds want the jobs and economic benefits that come from mining and other resource-based industries.

First Nations are among those clamouring for high-paid work. They simply want to feel like they’re part of the process, and not a group being dictated to by outsiders who know not of their ways and traditions.