NioBay’s Use of the Wetum Road

Band Council Resolution
File Reference No. 2020/21-1651

WHEREAS on December 9, 2020 Chief & Council passed Motion #323 which granted overland access to NioBay for their 2021 exploration drilling program.

WHEREAS on January 29, 2021, Chief & Council passed Band Council Resolution #1642 to enter into a Protection Agreement and to confirm Moose Cree First Nation’s consensus for NioBay’s overland access for their 2021 exploration drilling program.

WHEREAS Chief & Council’s consent was only for overland access using the provided existing trail route.

WHEREAS Chief & Council did not provide any authorization for NioBay to use the Wetum Road corridor.

WHEREAS Chief & Council discovered NioBay and its personnel using the Wetum Road corridor.

WHEREAS Chief & Council directed NioBay and its personnel to immediately cease using the Wetum Road Corridor.

WHEREAS NioBay and its personnel have now ceased using the Wetum Road corridor and have apologized.

WHEREAS NioBay has made a legally binding commitment to Chief & Council that no future mine will proceed without the support of the Membership of Moose Cree First Nation, by a ratification vote;

WHEREAS Chief & Council are committed to ensuring that the Membership has all available information to make an informed decision about whether to approve a mine in the Moose Cree First Nation Homeland;  

WHEREAS Chief & Council expressed its deep disappointment with NioBay’s improper and unauthorized use of the Wetum Road corridor and Chief & Council confirms that further failures by NioBay to abide by Agreements with Moose Cree First Nation will jeopardize the relationship and may lead to a loss of support for any further exploration activity in the Moose Cree First Nation Homeland.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Chief & Council of the Moose Cree First Nation directs NioBay that, under no circumstances shall it use the Wetum Road corridor for any purposes associated with exploration activities.