Tara Jeffrey/The Independent

Aamjiwnaang First Nation has entered into an historic initiative with the federal government to tackle environmental racism.

“(We’re) going to be the pilot community of how this rolls out, so it’s pretty important,” said Aamjiwnaang Chief Janelle Nahmabin. “That isn’t to say we are going to get everything right this first time around, but it means we’re going to step up and help guide where this could go across Canada.”
The initiative involves a joint committee between members of Aamjiwnaang First Nation and Environmental and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

It’s part of a broader effort to develop a national strategy on environmental racism through Bill C226 — Canada’s first environmental justice bill — acknowledging that a disproportionate number of people who live in environmentally hazardous areas are members of Indigenous, racialized or other marginalized communities.

The First Nation is located in the centre of what’s known as ‘chemical valley,’ representing the country’s second-largest cluster of petrochemical and refining companies.

“(Aamjiwnaang) is an obvious candidate,” ECCC Assistant Deputy Minister John Moffat told The Independent. “It’s pretty obvious that the concentration of industrial activity has had impacts on the community that are well known.”

Moffat was in Aamjiwnaang last month to sign the terms of reference, alongside Nahmabin, during the Lighting of the 8th Fire Conference. The first-of-its-kind agreement points to the establishment of a joint pilot committee that will include representatives from Aamjiwnaang Chief and Council, Environment and Lands departments, and others; as well as the federal government.

“The whole initiative is intended to be framed and operated as a partnership, in which the First Nation identifies what it needs, and then in turn, where we say…here’s what we can do, and what we can’t do,” said Moffat. “Any kind of action on our part, needs to be taken in partnership, and not directed by us.”

The committee will meet monthly and develop a draft annual report, according to the document; objectives include sharing information to support the co-development of ‘concrete actions’ related to the pursuit of environmental justice; ensuring Aamjiwnaang’s inclusion in environmental enforcement efforts and pollution mitigation measures; and, gathering lessons learned to inform future partnerships.

Nahmabin said the most important first-step is engaging with community and establishing trust.

“Historically, we’ve had our rights stepped over, and our jurisdiction not respected,” she said.
“And so now, this is giving opportunity for us to say, ‘here, this is how we do it,’ and then we lead the way that way.

“So, it’s going to be uncomfortable conversations for sure — but all in the respectful way — that’s what we are aiming for.”

Aamjiwnaang has long been at the forefront of the pursuit of environmental justice; a long- awaited study released in 2023 confirmed elevated airborne concentrations of cancer-causing benzene and sulphur dioxide exposure are increasing health risks for residents; and last year, a state-of-emergency was issued for the community after reports of elevated benzene levels prompted evacuations and sent residents to hospital. Nearby INEOS Styrolutions eventually announced the permanent closure of its Sarnia plant.

Along with the signing of the terms of reference, Moffat and a team of government officials spent time at the First Nation participating in tours and ceremony.

“We drove around the fenceline and saw firsthand the proximity of the industrial facilities,” Moffat said, adding that he participated in his first Indigenous Sunrise Ceremony.

“On a personal level, I felt very privileged and moved, even in just the brief time I spent in the community,” he said. “I was just very proud to represent the department, and to be able to sign this agreement — which is the first of its kind, and hopefully not the last.”