First Nations Headed to Mining Conference

Last Updated on Friday, 05 March 2010 10:50 Friday, 05 March 2010 10:50

Written by NNL Staff

THUNDER BAY - Chiefs and representatives of nine Northern Ontario First Nations communities will be participating in one the biggest international mining conferences in the world. With a goal of attracting and generating investment and partnerships, for the third consecutive year a Matawa First Nations delegation will be taking part in the Prospectors and Developers Association Convention (PDAC) in Toronto, Ontario, from March 7th until the 10th.

The premier networking event for the mineral industry features a tradeshow, convention, and Investors Exchange, attracting more than 18-thousand attendees from 120 countries around the globe.

Matawa First Nations is one of the original First Nations groups to participate in the annual convention. CEO David Paul Achneepineskum says; “Matawa First Nations overall message at PDAC 2010, will remain consistent with previous years being that; Matawa First Nations is “Open for Business”; However we also want to make the industry aware that the First Nations people want to create an environment where all parties involved can thrive with economic wealth. It's about developing new opportunities to create jobs and promote long-term economic development.”

Matawa First Nations representatives will promote and educate delegates at PDAC 2010 about their organization, Matawa Territory, and the opportunity that lies in the mineral exploration and mining industry. Matawa First Nations will also present their newly drafted Interim Mineral Measures process at the Mining Event. The process is expected to bring First Nations and Industry together on some common understandings when it comes to development.

Nibinamik First Nations Chief, Roger Oskineegish says; “We recognize that partnerships will allow us to develop sustainable and prosperous communities, and can potentially help us overcome our current challenges such as unemployment, and lack of infrastructure”.

Currently the Matawa region is the most active mineral exploration region in Northern Ontario, with over sixty mining and mineral companies working in First Nation’s traditional territories. Mining companies have identified that First Nations traditional territories offer opportunities for exploration in: chromite, phosphate, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, gold, silver, rhodium, cobalt, and diamonds.