2026-Wildlands League is monitoring closely as an exploration company has indicated its intentions to drill in the North French River. This watershed has already been declared as an Indigenous Protected Area by Moose Cree First Nation, meaning no industrial activities will be permitted here due to the river’s cultural and ecological significance. Drilling here would be violation of community direction and long-standing declarations. The drilling and associated activities would damage wetlands and habitat for threatened wildlife.
In October 2025, Niobay reported it had received an exploration mining permit from the Ontario government to drill in the South Bluff Creek which is part of the North French. Moose Cree First Nation has been consistent that drilling is not welcome in this area. Here’s an update. Moose Cree will continue to protect the North French under its laws and calls on the government of Ontario to respect Moose Cree’s decision to keep this culturally and ecologically significant area free from industrial development. Wildlands League supports this call.
To see a map of area, click here
Why we care
Protecting the North French River is of paramount importance to the Moose Cree people and to Canadians. The North French is one of the last sources of clean drinking water for this part of the province. You can still drink water directly from the river. The area contains intact boreal forests and wetlands that provide critical habitat for threatened boreal caribou, migratory birds and aquatic species such as brook trout. It also holds sensitive wetlands (of the Hudson Bay Lowland) that act as a giant carbon sink for the planet. They need to be maintained in order to help meet international climate commitments.
Solution
The province needs to stop all industrial activities in the North French River. A conservation reserve already exists in the North French River watershed protecting ~151,00 ha but the remaining areas are still open to mining, forestry and other resource pressures. A land withdrawal (halt to mining) must happen immediately to get the process going and then full discussions with Moose Cree to create an Indigenous Protected Area here.
