Red Sucker Lake and Sachigo Lake Nations say work is proceeding without consent, agreement, or adequate consultation
ANISININEW TERRITORY / NORTHERN ONTARIO — National Mining News — Two Anisininew Nations say they are formally putting Signature Resources Ltd. and the Province of Ontario on notice over mineral exploration activities they allege are moving forward in their traditional territories without consent, and without a negotiated agreement or adequate consultation.
In a joint public statement issued by Red Sucker Lake Anisininew Nation (RSLAN) and Sachigo Lake Anisininew Nation (SLAN), the Nations say Signature Resources (TSX-V: SGU) has been conducting exploration work under provincial permits issued by Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources, despite what they describe as formal objections and unresolved concerns.
Nations say permits renewed despite objections
The Nations state that permits were issued and renewed “despite formal objections” and “in the absence of any written agreement, consent protocol, or meaningful accommodation” of their concerns.
They also say the company has refused to negotiate an exploration agreement, which the Nations describe as standard practice for companies seeking to operate responsibly on Indigenous lands in Ontario and across Canada.
Key concerns raised: environment, land use, worker safety
RSLAN and SLAN outline several issues they say remain unresolved, including:
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Alleged inadequate consultation, which they argue does not meet constitutional standards under Section 35
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Environmental risks related to drilling, fuel storage, site disturbance, and legacy contamination from past activity
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Potential impacts to traplines, hunting and fishing grounds, travel routes, and water systems
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Reports they describe as concerning regarding unsafe working conditions and disrespectful treatment of Indigenous workers employed by contractors
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Concern about Ontario’s use of a “low impact” classification, which they say is being relied on to limit engagement
Legislative concerns and fast-tracked development
The Nations also point to recently enacted provincial and federal legislation—identified in their statement as Ontario’s Bill 5 and federal Bill C-5—arguing these regimes could accelerate development while weakening environmental protections and consultation processes. They say they reject any approach that treats consent as optional or circumvents constitutionally protected rights.
Formal notice delivered, legal options being assessed
RSLAN and SLAN say they have issued a formal joint statement to the Premier of Ontario and multiple ministers, outlining their unified position and expectations for Nation-to-Nation engagement.
The Nations also state they have retained legal counsel and are assessing “all available remedies,” including regulatory challenges, judicial review, and public disclosure, while coordinating with other rights holders and First Nations organizations.
Message to investors at PDAC: “We are rights holders”
With the global mining and investment community gathering at PDAC 2026 in Toronto, the Nations’ statement directly addresses investors, warning that ongoing exploration without consent represents a material risk they believe carries legal, regulatory, reputational, and operational implications.
“Indigenous Nations are not stakeholders; we are rights holders,” the statement says, adding that respectful engagement is the foundation of legitimate and sustainable resource development in Canada.
Chiefs affirm unified stance
The statement closes with a clear message: the Nations say their lands are governed by their laws, consent is fundamental, and they stand united.
The joint notice is issued by Chief Samuel Knott (Red Sucker Lake Anisininew Nation) and Chief Robert Beardy(Sachigo Lake Anisininew Nation).
