A SEAT AT THE TABLE


creation of nearly 20,000 jobs and an improved quality of life on many
reserves.
An example of a project that created jobs and improved quality of
life on-reserve is the historic billion-dollar deal in 2020 to sell Clearwater Seafoods to a coalition of Mi’kmaw First Nations, in partnership with Premium Brands of British Columbia. This was the single
largest investment in the seafood industry by any Indigenous group
in Canada.
“It is evident that FNFA is seen as a trusted 昀椀nancial source
for First Nations communities across Canada,” said Chief Warren
Tabobondung, Wasauksing First Nation, and FNFA board chair. “I
am proud that there are now 356 First Nations scheduled to the First
Nations Fiscal Management Act—more than 50 per cent of all First
Nations communities in Canada—167 of which have completed the
process to become a borrowing member.”
The Ontario government, Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie
First Nation signed an agreement to develop community infrastructure projects that could support future development opportunities,
including building all-seasons roads to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire
region.
“I want to commend Marten Falls First Nation Chief Bruce Achneepineskum and Webequie First Nation Chief Cornelius Wabasse for
their vision and commitment to building stronger communities,” said
George Pirie, Minister of Mines. “Their leadership and dedication to
making progress on these important infrastructure projects is helping
to build the corridor to prosperity. These roads would enhance the
well-being and livelihoods of their communities by improving access
to critical goods and services. The road network would also unlock
the generational critical minerals potential in the Ring of Fire region.”
The Community Development Agreement commits the province to
supporting shovel-ready infrastructure projects. Those could include
construction of health and training facilities, recreation centres, commercial buildings, and labour force development programs. These
projects would help improve the well-being and readiness of the First
Nations to participate fully in the construction of road projects that
would connect the Ring of Fire critical mineral deposits with manufacturing hubs in the south.
“As we move forward to now begin to consider road construction
and operations, our commitment remains to be strong stewards of our
lands and our environment, in balance with being active partners in
growing economic opportunities and bene昀椀ts for both our communities and other First Nation communities,” said Marten Falls First
Nation Chief Bruce Achneepineskum.
“Being at the table in the planning and implementation of road
development is key to building a foundation for our future, a future
that re昀氀ects our community vision, well-being and prosperity,” added
Webequie First Nation Chief Cornelius Wabasse.
Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations are currently leading
three Environmental Assessments (EA) for the roads that would
become the corridor to prosperity.
At CIMA+, we are reshaping
Canada’s infrastructure for a better,
more sustainable world
Through innovative solutions that seamlessly blend architecture
and cutting-edge technologies, we are helping our clients
decrease their carbon footprints and energy costs
while still meeting the needs of growing communities.
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