Ontario’s recently passed Bill 5 is an affront to Indigenous rights, Natural Law, and nature’s protection.
LAND, together with our Indigenous grassroots clients, are taking action to have Bill 5 stopped. Whether raising public awareness, advocating before government or the courts, we will not stay silent when laws are advanced by the government that undermine responsibilities we have – whether as individuals or allies – to protect the rights of communities and nature.
Your Voice Matters – Comment by Nov 10
The government is now moving ahead with implementing Bill 5 and now is a key moment to speak out. The government has released several proposals on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) for the public to review and comment. Read our new blog to learn more!
We strongly encourage you to share your views with the province via the ERO. Remember, whether it’s one sentence or 100 pages, sharing your concerns shows the government that you care, and that Ontario’s continued attempts to evict Indigenous rights and nature from law won’t go unnoticed.
To assist, we have drafted three briefing notes that you are welcome to draw on:
- Taking Action to Stop Bill 5 and Protect Indigenous Rights & Nature – Responding to Ontario’s Proposed Regulation to Designate Special Economic Zones Criteria
- Taking Action to Stop Bill 5 and Protect Indigenous Cultural Sovereignty – Responding to Ontario’s Proposed Regulation to Exempt Sites from Archaeological Assessment
- Taking Action to Stop Bill 5 and Protect Biodiversity and Environmental Right – Responding to Ontario’s proposals under the Species Conservation Act, 2025
Please SHARE these resources and feel free to draw on them in your comments to the province.
Upcoming Events
Standing Together for the Land: Taking on Bill 5
📅 Tuesday, November 18 · 7–9 PM EST
📍 Centre for Social Innovation
192 Spadina Avenue, Suite 101, Toronto, ON M5T 3A4
You’re invited to join us and members of Okiniwak Indigenous youth movement for an evening of sharing, discussion and solidarity as together, we work to #StopBill5 and protect the Attawapiskat River.
Tickets by donation here. Space is limited so reserve your seat today!
Stay in the Know
- Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about Bill 5 and actions we can all take, in solidarity with Indigenous land protectors
- Take a deeper dive and read our many resources, including:
- Bill 5 blog on protecting rights of communities and nature
- Media statement calling ‘Bill 5 an ‘unjustified attack on nature and Indigenous rights’
- Letter sent by 6000+ concerned people urging the province to Stop Bill 5
- Our submission to the Bill 5 Standing Committee
- Watch our remarks from Queen’s Park
- Watch and share our new 5-part legal series to inform you about actions you can take to uphold environmental justice and Indigenous rights
Show Your Support and Take Action
- Sign and send our live action alert calling for the repeal of Bill 5
- Stand with our client, the Friends of the Attawapiskat River, who are calling for their natural laws and rights to conserve and protect their lands and waters to be respected. Sign the Protection Declaration today!
- Make a donation to support Indigenous grassroots and youth land protectors
Past Events
Below, is a look back at a series of Bill 5 events hosted earlier this fall in Kingston. We look forward to sharing more photos, videos and remarks from our time spent together.
1 – Welcome and Opening Ceremony
Friday Sept 26 at 9 – 11 am
For invited guests only.
2 – Community Paddle
Saturday Sept 27 at 9:30 am
Lower Brewer’s Lock
Together with local Indigenous partners and community groups, we will paddle in solidarity with Indigenous land protectors safeguarding the many rivers and watersheds where the Ring of Fire is proposed.
Can’t join us but want to show your support? We encourage you to paddle a lake, river or creek where you live and tag us on social media @naturesdefence using the hashtags #SolidarityPaddle #PaddleTogether #TakeOnBill5
This event is now full and registration is closed. Please join us at our other events below!
3 – Okiniwak Indigenous-led Movement Gathering
Sunday Sept 28 at 12:00 pm
City Park, Kingston
This is an awakening that is led by First Nations youth, igniting the path of the 7th Fire.
We need your voice. Your presence. Your action.
Okiniwak is a youth-led movement rising in resistance to Bill 5 and Bill C-5—legislation that threatens the lands and water, First Nations rights, and futures. Their mission is to amplify the voices of First Nation youth, advocating for Indigenous equity, equality, and environmental stewardship.
We’re calling on First Nations youth and allies, to make your presence seen, your voices heard, and your spirits felt. There will be open mic time for youth councils, individual youth, coalitions, organizations, elders and leadership, and ally speakers.
This is a peaceful gathering grounded in the 7 Grandfather Teachings. We stand in unity and do not condone violence in any form- physical, verbal, or spiritual.
Miigwetch.
4 – Raising Our Voices – A Community Concert
Sunday Sept 28 at 7:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30)
The Spire, 82 Sydenham St., Kingston, Ontario
Event Poster
Featuring music, short talks, and theatre!
Recently passed Ontario Bill 5 allows the government to exempt entire regions from provincial laws and environmental safeguards through the creation of “Special Economic Zones.” One proposed Special Economic Zone is in the ‘Ring of Fire’ – the name given to a mineral-rich area in Treaty 9 lands in Northern Ontario. These lands and waters are home to the Omushkego Cree and among the world’s last and remaining intact peatlands.
Come hear from the Indigenous grassroots and youth organizers who, together with allies, are calling for the repeal of Bill 5 and to protect the land and honour Treaty promises. While you’re at it, enjoy music by Sarah Harmer and Kakaow, some improv, and more.
With Special Guests: Ramon Kataquapit, musicians Kakaow and Sarah Harmer
Ticket information: $25 or pay what you can | The Spire
5 – Indigenous Perspectives on Bill 5 – A Public Lecture and Film Screening
Monday Sept 29 at 6:30 pm
Isabel Bader Centre, 390 King St. West, Kingston, Ontario
Event poster
In this public lecture, hear from keynote speaker Ramon Kataquapit, the founder of the Indigenous-youth movement, Okiniwak, members of the Indigenous grassroots organization the Friends of the Attawapiskat River and environmental lawyer Kerrie Blaise, founder of the environmental law non-profit Legal Advocates for Nature’s Defence (LAND). Learn about their efforts to challenge Bill 5, including recent litigation.
The evening will also feature a screening of our new short film featuring stories recorded during our time spent in the Treaty 9 region of Northern Ontario where the Ring of Fire is proposed.
Questions and dialogue will be encouraged.
Tickets are FREE but please register in advance as space is limited!