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Ontario press release

Partnerships Between Ministry and Grand Council Treaty #3 Communities

April 16, 2009

The Ministry of Natural Resources is involved in a number of important partnerships with Grand Council Treaty #3 communities. These focus on building relationships, pursuing economic development opportunities such as green energy and forestry, and youth employment.

The ministry is working with Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, Eagle Lake First Nation, Pikangikum - a non-Treaty 3 First Nation - and Wood Tech Group from Finland on a proposed wood products mill. The Two Feathers Forest Products Limited Partnership would employ about 130 Aboriginal people directly in its operations. Using state-of-the-art Scandinavian technology to harvest, sort, dry and mill value-added forest products, the project would also include a biomass cogeneration plant and wood pellet facility. The ministry is working closely with the proponent, affected provincial ministries and other stakeholders toward a possible completion date in spring 2011.

Lac Seul First Nation and the ministry are working together to implement an Engagement Protocol to ensure the community's continued participation in processes related to the planning and management of lands and resources in its area. The protocol will help identify potential resource-based economic development opportunities for the community. As part of the effort to ensure greater participation, the First Nation was invited to participate on the 2011-2021 Lac Seul Forest Management Planning Team and will harvest allocations adjacent to the reserve. In addition, the ministry is supporting the construction of an all-weather causeway and bridge to connect Kejick Bay to the mainland, slated to be completed this summer.

The ministry has helped fund the Lac La Croix First Nation Community Economic Development Plan, anticipated to be completed in May. The plan could provide economic development opportunities for the community in the forestry, waterpower and tourism sectors.

Other initiatives include:

• a Fire Response Agreement with Naicatchwenin First Nation to implement fire response capabilities in the community and adjacent land;
• partnerships with Stanjikoming and Rainy River First Nations to gather information on species at risk;
• initial planning for a number of renewable energy proposals by First Nations communities for private sector hydropower;
• a number of forest harvesting, silvicultural and road maintenance agreements
• improved communication on resource management issues; and
• half-day employment education sessions for high school students to raise awareness of career opportunities in natural resources.
CONTACTS
Ivan Langrish
Minister’s Office
416-314-2212

Media Desk
Communications Branch
416-314-2106

Natural Resources Information Centre
1-800-667-1940
nullTTY 1-866-686-6072 (Hearing Impaired)
Bill Taylor
Aboriginal Relations Branch
807-475-1262