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Manitoba government initiatives consistent with the
Guideline objectives include
- a new Prospector Training Program developed in collaboration with the
University College of the North (UCN), the
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the federal government and the minerals
sector and delivered through UCN in The Pas to help meet the demand for
training in the industry,
- Aboriginal Mining Workshops to increase awareness about the business of
exploration and mining in Manitoba, potential opportunities for community
economic development and to increase Aboriginal participation in the
industry,
- Community Open Forums to increase awareness about the business of
exploration and mining and the industry’s potential opportunities for
community economic development , and
- the Trilateral Resource Access Committee: an agreement between the
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the Province of Manitoba and the Government of
Canada to enhance the participation of First Nations’ people in
opportunities relating to natural resources.
Background
 In May 1998, a process was initiated by the Province of Manitoba’s Energy and
Mines department (now Manitoba Industry, Economic Development and Mines) to
bring together representatives of First Nations, Metis Nation, Northern
Communities and the Manitoba Minerals Industry to begin a relationship building
process. The purpose of this process continues to be to strengthen the links
between parties, learn about common aspirations, cultural values and
communication needs, and to create a climate for mutually beneficial
opportunities related to the building of a strong minerals industry* within
Manitoba. The document is a guide to facilitate relationship building between
those involved in, or affected by minerals activity within the province. The
document is divided into three sections entitled Mission Statement (page 2),
Goals and Objectives (pages 2-6) and Recommended Actions (pages 6-8).
(*minerals
does not include oil and gas)
These guiding principles were developed by representatives from the following
organizations with the support of Elder Frank Wesley and Elder Sandy Beardy:
 Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Manitoba Industry, Economic Development and Mines
Manitoba Prospectors and Developers Association
Manitoba Heavy Construction Association
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak
Manitoba Métis Federation
Mining Association of Manitoba
Northern Association of Community Councils
Manitoba-Saskatchewan Prospectors and Developers Association
Aboriginal Peoples — Manitoba's First Miners
 Manitoba has been in the mining business for hundreds, if not thousands of
years. In fact, no one can say for sure when minerals were first extracted from
the Manitoba terrain, but it is known who initiated the activity. Aboriginal
people who settled in Manitoba used to quarry red ochre/hematite from the Red
Cliff area on what is now called Black Island. This deposit became a valuable
resource for many tribal rituals, as the red rock was crushed to make pigment
used in body decoration and rock art.
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