AIAI Disappointed with Solid Gold Corp approach to First Nation Consultation
The Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians is deeply offended and opposes the claims and remarks made by Solid Gold Resource Corporation President and CEO, Darryl Stretch.
On November 7th, 2012, the Ontario Prospectors Association (OPA) held an Exploration and Geoscience Symposium in Sudbury Ontario. Mr.Stretch delivered a presentation to fellow Association members entitled, “Deathwatch of the Resource Industry.” During his presentation, Mr. Stretch displayed visuals and expressed biased sentiments that are profoundly offensive to Indigenous peoples. The OPA membership, that includes First Nation communities, was subjected to an offensive cartoon, inaccurate comparisons, misinformation about First Nation land title dispute processes, and disrespect toward Indigenous treaty agreements with the Crown.
In a misguided attempt to argue that Ontario’s shortfalls in consultation with First Nations is eroding the economic certainty of resource development in the province, Mr. Stretch states in reference to the First Nation Communities of Ontario: “It is every man for himself against 133 hostile third-party governments across the country.”
Contrary to Stretch’s remarks and beliefs, First Nation peoples have every right to be informed and involved in any process that involves their territories, and affects their interests.
Grand Chief Gord Peters commented, “Solid Gold’s lack of understanding and consideration of the First Nation peoples comes as no surprise and it was recently highlighted in the case of Wahgoshig First Nation v. Ontario [2012] where Solid Gold continually failed to consult with the Wahgoshig First Nation prior to drilling in early 2011.”
The Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians stands in solidarity with all Indigenous peoples who continually fight for recognition for true title and jurisdiction to our homelands.
The AIAI is mandated as a political territorial organization to defend and enhance the Indigenous and Treaty rights of its eight member First Nations. Visit them online at www.aiai.on.ca , https://twitter.com/#!/aiai_comms , www.facebook.com/aiai.pto , www.youtube.com/user/AIAIAdmin | 
