News Release

First Nation Expanding Into Mining Industry

August 11, 2009

McGuinty Government Creates First Nations Jobs To Work With Sector

NEWS  

The First Nations of Aroland and Webequie will be able to pursue more economic development and job creation opportunities in the mineral exploration and mining industries.

Over the past few years, Aroland and Webequie First Nations have seen a sharp increase in mineral exploration activity near their communities. With support from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), each community will hire a new mining coordinator to help their members better understand the exploration and mining process.  They will also represent their First Nations when dealing with land use issues and negotiating agreements.

QUOTES

“These projects will help ensure that exploration and mining companies conduct meaningful consultation with these First Nations, on whose traditional lands they are interested in operating.”
 - Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, and Chair of the NOHFC

“Job creation in First Nation communities helps build up local First Nation economies and the Ontario economy as a whole. I recognize the importance of economic development to First Nations – especially in natural resource-based industries, such as mining.”
- Brad Duguid, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs

QUICK FACTS

• The NOHFC is investing $50,000 each with Aroland and Webequie First Nations for this initiative.
• Two permanent jobs will be created immediately and there is greater potential for minerals sector jobs in the future for First Nations members.
• There are currently 250 active mineral exploration projects in Northwestern Ontario.
  

LEARN MORE

• About the NOHFC
• About the minerals industry and Ontario’s First Nations
  

Anne-Marie Flanagan, Minister’s Office, 416-327-0655
Marlene Moore, MNDMF, 705-564-7613  

ontario.ca/north-news

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