Signatories
Signed May 12, 2023 on behalf of each Nation
Chief Lenard Mamakeesick
Deer Lake First Nation
Chief George Kakekagumick
Keewaywin First Nation
Chief John Keesick Jr.
North Spirit Lake First Nation
Chief Delores Kakegamic
In 2023, Sandy Lake, Deer Lake, North Spirit and Keewaywin agreed that wiichihiidowin — the spirit of helping one another — is the best way to navigate the Frontier proposals.
This is a plain language summary of the agreement amongst our four nations.
Signed May 12, 2023 in Thunder Bay
The Parties
We are Anishininiwug, and have sacred responsibilities to protect gizhe Manitou omiigwewinun (Creator's Gifts) for children yet unborn. We've agreed to help each other as we consider and respond to Frontier Lithium's activities and proposals.
Background & Context
The Four-Nations Agreement reflects the deep connections between North Spirit Lake, Keewaywin, Deer Lake and Sandy Lake. It is rooted in our common laws and protocols, and in the lands and waters where we belong.
Sacred Stewardship. Since the beginning of time, Anishininiwug have carried the sacred responsibility to protect gizhe Manitou omiigwewinun — the Creator's Gifts — for children yet unborn.
Shared Treaty History. Our four nations were treated as one at the signing of Treaty No. 5. We hold inherent, aboriginal and treaty rights over our lands and waters — including rights over surface and subsurface activities.
Frontier Lithium's Proposals. Frontier proposes to develop and operate a lithium mine near the Sandy Lake-Deer Lake junction. In the past, we separately negotiated with Frontier.
Laws & Protocols. Mining activity brings changes to the lands, makes demands of our land management systems, and risks violating Anishinninew laws and protocols unless done cautiously and with great care.
Responsibility Together. We recognize that ji kanawendaman gakeezhiminikooyun — the duty to protect what we have been given — is shared.
Good Relations. We believe that wiichihiidowin (helping each other) is essential to maintain ongoing good relations both among ourselves and with Frontier Lithium.
"Wiichihiidowin"
means helping each other — the foundational spirit of this agreement
What Was Agreed
North Spirit Lake, Keewaywin, Deer Lake and Sandy Lake agree to take action to help each other, while maintaining confidentiality and ensuring Frontier Lithium bears the costs.
Each Nation agrees to share information and discuss matters relating to Frontier Lithium.
We will explore possibilities for wiichihiidowin (helping each other).
Discussions are confidential.
Frontier Lithium has been told about this agreement and is expected to cover its costs.
Signatories
Chief Lenard Mamakeesick
Chief George Kakekagumick
Chief John Keesick Jr.
Chief Delores Kakegamic