Chapleau, Ontario - Natural Resources Canada
Canada's forest sector continues to be an important generator of good, middle-class jobs and income in communities across the country, including rural, remote and Indigenous communities. Our government is working with Indigenous peoples to ensure that they participate in — and benefit from — natural resource projects.
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, and Paul Lefebvre, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister, today officially highlighted a multi-year $743,000 investment in the Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs Forum to promote Indigenous-led economic development in our forest sector.
Through this investment, Indigenous-owned businesses have delivered real results for their communities by enabling the Chapleau Cree First Nation to develop the Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs “Conservation Economy Strategy” — a cornerstone for forest sector economic development in member communities, including Missanabie Cree, Brunswick House, Michipicoten and Pic Mobert First Nations.
This opportunity was co-funded by NRCan’s Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) and Indigenous Services Canada’s Strategic Partnerships Initiative, facilitating economic development in Indigenous communities that rely on forests and Canada’s emerging forest bioeconomy.
The IFI funding aims to increase Indigenous participation in forestry-related opportunities, businesses, careers and governance.
Quotes
“Indigenous participation in the forest sector will position these communities for economic diversification and meaningful participation in forest management, and it lays the foundation for future development. This investment will continue to benefit the surrounding communities by creating good jobs and providing Indigenous-led development solutions.”
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi
Minister of Natural Resources Canada
“I am pleased that Indigenous Services Canada can support the Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs Forum through the Strategic Partnerships Initiative. Supporting economic development opportunities for Indigenous communities and businesses is a shared priority amongst our government departments and partners.”
The Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Indigenous Services
“Our vision of sustainable forest practices is now on a pathway to being realized. The multi-year contribution made by NRCan’s Indigenous Forestry Initiative allowed our communities to take that next structured step toward full participation in the forest sector. This is in line with our Inherent Rights and Stewardship role as people from these lands.”
Chief Corston
Chapleau Cree First Nation
“We sincerely appreciate NRCan’s Indigenous Forestry Initiative collaborating with our group on this dynamic project. The last three years have seen us move beyond an incubating phase toward developing a conservation economy. We now have a number of initiatives through Wahkohtowin Development that resonate with our world view of people, participation and place. As Missanabie Cree First Nation officially receives its land designation this summer, we continue to gather strength.”
Chief Gauthier
Missanabie Cree First Nation