MCCN, HudBay in court over mine development

The sovereign nation of Missinippi Nehethowak, as represented by Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, and HudBay Minerals Inc. were in Winnipeg court March 20 over protests undertaken by MCCN blocking entrance to where HudBay’s gold, zinc and copper mine is being developed near Lalor Lake, which MCCN contends is unceded Missinippi Nehethowak Territory. MCCN says neither the company nor Manitoba government received MCCN’s consent to operate. MCCN led two peaceful demonstrations on Jan. 28 and March 5 at the site. “We are sovereign and asserting our laws and jurisdiction over our unceded ancestral traditional territory. We have never given up our lands, waters and natural resources. We have a responsibility to manage their use and protection,” said Chief Arlen Dumas. MCCN served HudBay with two stop work orders. HudBay is suing MCCN for millions of dollars in general, special and punitive damages.