Matawa Economic Development works with the Matawa First Nations to develop, promote and support a diverse private sector and entrepreneurial culture. It works to create ‘opportunity-ready’ Matawa First Nations and to foster economic growth and success through economic and business development. It assists Matawa First Nations develop infrastructure, businesses and human capital to grow local economies. It also works with Matawa First Nation community development corporations to build capacity and develop projects and business opportunities to become more self-sufficient.

Matawa Economic Development provides project incubation, project management, business management, and general management for many regional initiatives across different sectors including mining, forestry, tourism and energy. A number of Committees in these areas provide leadership and guidance on strategic economic development initiatives.

Partner with us, Invest in us.

We are engaging partners from all over the world and across cultures to develop economic strategies for developing and growing business within our traditional territories. As stewards and protectors of the land, we analyze business opportunities with environmental, social and economic development objectives that respect our traditional values and knowledge for sustainable economic development.

Initiatives

The Broadband Project was established to improve the internet services and enhance the overall quality of life in 6 Matawa First Nation communities. The 6 communities that are part of the Broadband Project are: Aroland, Eabametoong, Marten Fall, Neskantaga, Nibinamik, and Webequie.

A working group was also formed by representatives of the 6 communities along with Matawa First Nations Management to find ways on how to access affordable high-speed internet for all community members within the remote communities. As a result of identifying the need to build a broadband network to the remote communities, the working group then formed the Rapid Lynx Corporation which will be owned and operated by the Matawa First Nation communities.

There is approximately 810 km of heavily armored fibre optic cable that will be installed 3 feet underground and under water from Aroland to Nibinamik. With connections from:

Aroland to Marten Falls – 222 km
Marten Falls to Fort Hope – 162 km
Fort Hope to Neskantaga – 166 km
Neskantaga to Webequie – 116 km
Webequie to Nibinamik – 144 km

Construction has begun with brush and clear cutting (February 2020). The estimated completion date of the project is March 2022.

For more information about the Broadband Project contact Wayne Slipperjack, Rapid Lynx Manager-In-Training at: (807) 344 – 4575 or wslipperjack@matawa.on.ca