Heated debate: mining presentation irks First Nation group.

• Author: Cowan, Liz
• Position: MINING

A contentious presentation at a mining symposium has raised the ire of a First Nation group and community.

Darryl Stretch, president and CEO of Solid Gold Resources, presented at the Ontario Exploration and Geoscience Symposium put on by the Ontario Prospectors Association (OPA) in Sudbury Nov. 6 and 7.

He has been fighting to resume exploration on his Lake Abitibi area property after an Ontario Superior Court upheld an injunction by nearby Wahgoshig First Nation to cease exploration early this year. The court also ruled that the company did not make an effort to consult with the community despite provincial requests to do so since 2009. Stretch is appealing the earlier court decision and the Divisional Court of Ontario will hear the appeal in January, 2013.

His presentation contained references to First Nations as "hostile third-party governments" and included a cartoon image of First Nation people. His main contention is that the duty to consult First Nations, in relation to exploration, lies with the Crown and not industry.

In response, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Harvey Yesno, along with Wahgoshig First Nation Chief David Babin, is calling on the province to withdraw its support and public endorsement of 'racist and radical' mining industry representatives, and named the OPA and another group called Mining United.

"I don't know if the government (will withdraw its support) but we are making a statement of our displeasure of them to continue to support organizations that condone speakers that make racist remarks," said Yesno.

Following the presentation at the OPA symposium, Stretch was asked by a First Nation chief what his understanding of the treaties were.

"I am not here to debate the terms of the treaty. I am aware of them, but I didn't see anywhere where I had a specific obligation. The public doesn't have a specific obligation with respect to constitutional matters," he replied.

When asked what his responsibility was, Stretch said he has a licence and contract with the Crown and not with the First Nations.

"Does it also give you a licence to be ignorant with the First Nations people?" an audience member asked.

"I am sure some feel that way, sir," Stretch said.

"What I hear is not respect. I hear ignorance and I feel offended by it. To try and negotiate with an attitude like yours would be very difficult," said another chief of a First Nation community.

"Your problem is with the Crown. I respect you as a person and as a...