b'affirmed, and it was recognized throughand informed consent from First NationsHowever, Stephen Harpers Section 25 that no other provision inregarding natural resource developmentConservative government often acted the Charter can supersede those rights.and expansion. In 2004, the Supremewith complete disregard towards First Although the constitution recognized theCourt of Canadas decision surroundingNations jurisdiction. The Idle No More inherent rights and jurisdiction of Firstthe Haida and Taku River casesmovement began in 2012 in response Nations, Canada largely failed to upholdreaffirmed the federal and provincialto Bill C-45, an omnibus that would them during the decade that followed,governments obligation to fulfill theirfundamentally change Canadas rela-and there was an increase in politicalduty to consult and accommodate Firsttions with First Nations. The aim was to organizations aiming to confront thoseNations regarding resource development.diminish the authority that First Nations ongoing infringements head on.Former Ontario Regional Chief Isadorehad to protect their land and Treaty In 1990, Mohawk protestors block- Day says that these rulings started toRights, making it easier for the govern-aded their land to halt the expansioncreate a national discourse surroundingment to implement resource develop-of a golf course and the constructionFirst Nations jurisdiction and role in thement projects. As Idle No More spread of townhouses on disputed territory.nations environmental laws. across the Canada, rallies in Ontario The construction would also include land that had once been a sacred Mohawk burial ground. The Mohawks of Kanesatake had been trying to assert their land rights to Oka, Que., sinceJFK1761. In a Toronto news conference, Peters announced that the Chiefs of Ontario stood in solidarity with the Mohawk land protectors: We are askingLAW LLP Victoria . Vancouver . Edmonton . Toronto . Kahnawakeall First Nation citizens in Ontario to participate in demonstrations and acts of peaceful resistance in support of theDoes your career goal includeMohawk People. The blockade stood for 78 days and ended with a military raidcontributing to meaningful change?on the land defenders camp. The Oka resistance galvanized a new form of political activism. Five yearsJFK Law represents Indigenouslater, the full weight of colonial power pressed down on the southern shores ofcommunities throughout Canada.Lake Huron. On September 4, 1995, a group of Stoney Point Ojibways started their occupation of Ipperwash ProvincialWe work with our clients to advance theirPark. They were protesting the govern-ments failure to return the land that wasNations, protect their rights and buildappropriated in 1942. After only two days of peaceful protest, a provincialtheir economies.police officer shot and killed Anthony Dudley George. Volume 1 of the Ipperwash Inquiry report concludedDriven by a passion forthat cultural insensitivity and racism on the part of some of the OPP [Ontariojustice, we offer creativeProvincial Police] officers involved were evident both before and after Dudleylegal solutions and workGeorges death. This state crime became a national scandal, laying bare the insti- towards meaningfultutionalized racism and ongoing land claims that First Nations face.change.The turn of the millennium sawSara MainvilleImage - Frog by Evan Astera dramatic uptick in the provincesManaging Partnerextractive industries. Mining, forestry and hydro became an ever-encroaching presence on First Nations traditional and reserve lands. The Chiefs of OntarioJFKlaw.cawas focused on environmental protection I ssue1 2025C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne l 23'