Members of Aamjiwnaang First Nation and supporters will gather for a "Stop Bill C-39" rally Wednesday night.
Organizers said the demonstration in opposition to the bill aims to highlight ongoing impacts of Chemical Valley and calls for the protection of Indigenous rights.
"We're afraid to be made into municipalities, which would be the extinguishment of our identity as first nation's people," said spokesperson Mike Plain.
Bill C-39 (Building Canada Strong Act) passed second reading on October 8.
The proposed law was introduced as a means to create conditions to support projects and economic growth in a timely manner, whilst protecting the environment and upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
However, multiple groups have sounded alarm bells about the bill as it's currently written.
"What it's amounting to is the fiduciary responsibilities that were promised in the treaties that were made with First Nation's people, they would be gone too," said Plain.
NDP Indigenous affairs critic Leah Gazan and First Nation representatives spoke at Parliament Hill on Tuesday, calling for the proposed bill to be withdrawn.
Gazan cited concerns about how Bill C-39 may impact treaty rights and Indigenous consent in order to fast-track projects.
"We must ask Prime Minister Carney, how will Canada honour its treaty obligations and constitutionally protected Indigenous rights if it continues advancing legislation without respecting the rights of jurisdiction and consent of First Nations?" Gazan said.
Scientists have called on the federal government to amend Bill C-39 to address environmental concerns, such as risk to species and ecosystems.
An open letter from 56 Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada said the bill as it's currently written, "countermands the environmental protections currently in place in Canadian law."
Meanwhile, Unifor National President Lana Payne also recently spoke out against Bill C-39, citing concerns about how "the law would seriously curtail workers' rights to strike and bargain collectively."
Wednesday's rally at Aamjiwnaang First Nation begins at 5 p.m. at the Chipadome Stage located at 978 Tashmoo Avenue.
- With files from Stephanie Chaves
