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INAC press release ... 

Canada's government supports Northern Ontario Aboriginal tourism centre

     CONSTANCE LAKE FIRST NATION, ON, Sept. 6 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, and the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor congratulate the Constance Lake First Nation on the opening of its $12 million Eagle's Earth Cree and Ojibway Historical Centre.

     "Canada's New Government is working with First Nations to support economic development projects throughout Northern Ontario," said Minister Strahl. "This new tourism and historical centre will provide members of the Constance Lake First Nation, Northern Ontario residents, and tourists a chance to learn more about the history of this First Nation and the unique qualities of the local region."

     "Eagle's Earth is a magnificent addition to Northern Ontario's tourism industry," added Minister Clement. "As Minister of FedNor, I am proud to support projects that promote tourism, diversify and grow the North's economy, and support Aboriginal communities."

     The federal government, through Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and FedNor, contributed just over $3 million toward development and construction of the centre. The Constance Lake First Nation invested a total of approximately $2 million and other partners - the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (Living Legacy) - contributed a total of approximately $7 million to the project.

     "This centre is a premiere Aboriginal tourism destination," said Constance Lake First Nation Chief Arthur Moore. "It will help us to preserve and share our culture, strengthen our economic self-sufficiency and create a better future for the First Nation and the region as a whole."

     The main features of the site, located just off Highway 11 near Hearst,
includes: a 1,022 square metre Eagle Feather building that houses Aboriginal multimedia experiences; a 40-seat restaurant that features unique and authentic Aboriginal cuisine; a convenience store; an authentic local arts and craft store; and workshop rooms. It also has 20 cabins, 20 serviced recreational vehicle sites, 20 teepee sites, a pow-wow ground, archaeological tours, wilderness hiking trails and canoe expeditions.

     Constance Lake First Nation is located approximately 40 kilometres northwest of Hearst, Ontario, and has approximately 1,464 members, with approximately 731 members living on reserve.

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/For further information: Media Relations, INAC, (819) 953-1160; Linda Britt, A/Communications Officer, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, (807) 624-1559; Chief Arthur Moore, Constance Lake First Nation, (705) 463-4511; Minister Office's, FedNor, Erik Waddell, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Tony Clement, (613) 957-0200; Mario Paluzzi, Communications Officer, FedNor, (705) 941-2064; This release is also available at: www.inac.gc.ca. To find out more about FedNor, please visit http://fednor.ic.gc.ca/