Sagamok Travels to Queen's Park to Rally Against Bill 5

Sagamok Anishnawbek Attends Rally at Queens Park in Opposition to Ontario’s Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025

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Bright and early on Monday, June 2, 2025, twenty-eight Sagamonians and one member from Genaabaaging, boarded a coach to Queen’s Park to rally against Bill 5, Ontario’s latest omnibus bill that intends to reduce regulatory process across major infrastructure, mining, and resource projects in the province. Bill 5 aims to speed up the process of approvals by creating “special economic zones” where laws and regulations that protect the environment, species at risk, and cultural heritage can be waived in Ontario’s efforts to fast-track approval process of major projects. Most projects being fast tracked for approvals are within treaty territory, including the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850. Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025, limits and eliminates the need to consult First Nations on projects that have the potential to significantly impact Aboriginal, and treaty rights and has, in fact, unleashed an awakening of First Nations’ resistance.

The Sagamok delegation included staff, grandmas, aunties, uncles, children, youth, as well as a member of Council. The group met up with other Sagamonians who reside in Toronto and some members who travelled to the rally on their own. We all stood strong and proud with the Sagamok flag and the signs that were made to voice our opposition to Bill 5. The rally started off with a prayer and smudge followed by speeches from Chiefs, Regional Chiefs, Grand Council Chiefs, MPP Sol Mamakwa, as well as the current and former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. The message from all was clear, First Nations oppose Bill 5. Doug Ford’s government is pushing through this bill, without adequate consultation and without due process. First Nation leaders who were on the front lines of the first Idle No More movement spoke about Bill 5 igniting a new movement amongst First Nations in the fight to defend the environment and indigenous rights. The rally concluded with a round dance and travelling song.  

The day was filled with laughter, stories and shared memories made amongst the multi-generational group that travelled together to Toronto and demonstrated on Queen’s Park. For some, it was their first time experiencing a ride on the subway and navigating the streets of the big city. For the young ones, it was the first time that they participated in a rally against the decisions being made by the government. For others, the rally on June 2 was another notch on their belt counter of rallies, protests, and demonstrations attended over their lifetime of resistance and fighting for our rights. It was an honour to have my team coordinate the trip and I hope and pray that our voices were heard, and the Ontario acts honourably.

Submitted by: Michelle Toulouse

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