Brokenhead Ojibway Nation (BON) are aware of recent public discussions and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that were signed without our consent related to the proposed Sio Silica Project. We wish to reaffirm its position on behalf of our membership.

In August 2025, BON conducted a community referendum regarding a proposed partnership related to the Sio Silica Project. Following a process that provided our members with the opportunity to review information and make an informed decision, the outcome was clear: the plan was not supported by our membership in its current form.

Chief and Council respect the free, prior and informed consent of our membership and remain committed to ensuring that the voices of our people guide decisions affecting our lands, resources, and territories.

Brokenhead Ojibway Nation expects governments and project proponents to recognize and respect the decisions made by our membership. Any discussions regarding resource development within our traditional territory must respect the constitutionally protected rights of consultation and accommodation with BON. This includes addressing the concerns raised by our Nation regarding our source water.

“Our membership has spoken, and that decision must be respected,” said Chief Gordon BlueSky. “If anything is going to move forward within our territory , the federal government must obtain our full consent. This will not occur until such time as our concerns and issues are properly mitigated. In the spirit of building constructive relationships, the path forward requires all levels of government and the project proponent to work together with our First Nation to accommodate concerns surrounding the protection of groundwater and any other potential environmental impacts associated with silica sand extraction.”

The protection of water remains a priority for Brokenhead Ojibway Nation. We believe that responsible decision-making requires a thorough understanding of potential impacts on groundwater, the environment, and future generations.

BON remains committed to constructive dialogue that respects Indigenous rights, protects the environment, and ensures that First Nations are meaningfully involved in decisions affecting their territories.

Meegwetch,
Chief & Council