THUNDER BAY – May 5, 2025 – As the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation continues to mourn its youth and navigate a long-standing community emergency, the behaviour of a speculative mining company has triggered national outrage and deepened the wounds of colonialism still felt across many Indigenous communities.
The First Nation, located in Northwestern Ontario, has been under a formal state of emergency since 2014, grappling with youth suicides, substance abuse, and ongoing systemic trauma. But while Onigaming walks the path of healing, it has faced unacceptable pressure and abuse from Golden Rapture, a little-known mining speculator with claims staked in the community’s territory.
Industry Disrespect Amid Tragedy
According to Onigaming Chief Jeffrey Copenace, the Nation was unable to engage in mining consultations due to the ongoing community crisis.
In response, representatives from Golden Rapture directed offensive and hurtful insults at the Chief—blaming him for youth deaths in the community and showing callous disregard for the pain and trauma Onigaming continues to endure.
“It is impossible to speak about prosperity and economic development when our youth are dying,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “Colonization and its ongoing effects continue to erode our peoples’ well-being. We need respect and support from governments and industry—but what we often encounter is derision.”
Path to True Reconciliation Must Include Respect and Consent
The conduct of Golden Rapture is more than an isolated incident—it reflects a broader issue in the resource development sector: a failure to understand, respect, and uphold First Nations rights, sovereignty, and healing journeys.
Reconciliation is not a slogan—it’s a responsibility. For mining companies to operate ethically and sustainably on Indigenous lands, they must:
✅ Respect Treaty Rights and Inherent Jurisdiction
✅ Engage in free, prior, and informed consent (as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples)
✅ Recognize when communities are in crisis and step back appropriately
✅ Support the community’s wellness and healing initiatives, not just their resource potential
✅ Invest in long-term relationship-building based on trust, transparency, and cultural competency
How Mining Companies Can Work Respectfully with First Nations
To avoid deepening harm and instead foster shared prosperity and healing, mining and exploration companies must adopt these best practices:
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Build Relationships Before Business
Initiate engagement early—not just when permits are needed. Visit the community, attend cultural events, and learn the history. -
Recognize Crisis as a Call for Compassion, Not Opportunity
If a Nation declares a state of emergency, suspend all consultation attempts and offer support without expectation of access or agreement. -
Invest in Healing First
Fund mental health programs, youth leadership, and cultural revitalization initiatives before discussing extraction. Healing is foundational to development. -
Co-Develop Decision-Making Processes
Ensure Indigenous knowledge systems and governance are part of environmental reviews and impact assessments. -
Admit Mistakes and Make Amends
In cases like Golden Rapture’s, a public apology and concrete reparative action is essential to rebuilding trust. Anything less demonstrates contempt for reconciliation.
A Broader Call to Government and Industry
The Chiefs of Ontario have condemned Golden Rapture’s actions and are calling on provincial and federal governments to strengthen regulations surrounding how companies engage with First Nations. There are real fears that legislation like Ontario’s Bill 5, which fast-tracks mining approvals, could bypass Indigenous consent and legitimize exploitative behaviour like what Onigaming experienced.
The Chiefs are also calling for increased funding for:
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Culturally safe mental health programs
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Language and cultural revitalization
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Community-led emergency response and healing initiatives
These measures are not only necessary for reconciliation—they’re vital to ensuring First Nations can engage on their own terms in any future development.
Standing in Solidarity with Onigaming
This Red Dress Day, while Canadians reflect on the ongoing tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+), the Onigaming situation underscores the intersection of violence, trauma, and resource exploitation.
For Onigaming, the path forward is rooted in sovereignty, healing, and justice—not exploitation.
If You Need Help
This story includes mention of suicide and community crisis. If you or someone you know is struggling, there is help:
📞 Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566
📞 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
🌐 CrisisServicesCanada.ca
