The Lake Nipigon First Nations and Matawa First Nations Chiefs are preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding to work cooperatively together on common issues directly related to mineral development.

Also included in the discussions between the respective chiefs which were held Feb. 3 are infrastructure issues.

The discussions centres around three key issues: the location of the proposed chromite processing plant, the hydro transmission line from Nipigon to Little Jackfish and exploring economic and infrastructure opportunities.

For the Matawa chiefs, the chromite issue is quiet important as it pertains to the Ring of Fire, one of the largest mineral deposits in the world. The Ring of Fire is found among the traditional territories of Webequie and Marten Falls First Nations – both are Matawa communities.

“The chromite will be taken from the traditional territories of the First Nations people; it only makes sense that we the First Nations people must have direct benefit from the construction and operation of the chromite processing facility,” said Aroland Chief Sonny Gagnon. “Matawa First Nations strongly stands behind the request that the processing facility be located in the Greenstone area.”

Red Rock Chief Pierre Pelletier is proud of the agreement that has been forged.

“It’s exciting that the Lake Nipigon chiefs and the Matawa chiefs are banding together to take on common issues such as the transmission line from Nipigon to Little Jackfish,” Pelletier said. “We, as the chiefs of Lake Nipigon wish to see this transmission line become a reality. It’s encouraging to see that the Matawa chiefs share this same position.”

The memorandum of understanding will be officially signed Feb.11.