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GOVERNMENT OF CANADA FUNDS ABORIGINAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES IN NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO

EABAMETOONG FIRST NATION (October 16, 2003) - Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Robert D. Nault, is pleased to announce $1,220,000 in economic development funding for a remote First Nation in northwestern Ontario.

Speaking in Eabametoong First Nation today, Minister Nault said investing in such projects leads to a better economy and quality of life not just in First Nations communities, but in northwestern Ontario as a whole. "When Aboriginal businesses succeed, the benefits are felt by both First Nation citizens as well as the communities they do business with. As promised in the September 2002 Speech from the Throne, this is a perfect example of how we are working in partnership with First Nations, other governments and the private sector to improve access to economic development opportunities."

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) is committing a total of $1,220,000 to the following projects:

• $100,000 to conduct community consultations and build consensus on a process for a land use planning study in partnership with Mishkeegogaming First Nation and other stakeholders.
  
• $1,000,000, over three years, to develop a joint land use plan in partnership with Mishkeegogaming First Nation and other stakeholders.
  
• $60,000 to review a forest harvesting partnership.
  
• $60,000 to plan a new winter road to the First Nation.

These projects will be based on agreed upon budgets and workplans.

More information on the projects, as well as the location of the First Nations involved, can be found in the Backgrounder, "Eabametoong First Nation Economic Development Projects."

Eabametoong First Nation Chief Charlie O'Keese says such initiatives help move the community forward. "Better road access and continued benefits from the land we live on will help improve the quality of life of our people and enhance their future," he said.

INAC has increased economic development funding in the last two years from $25 million to $120 million. This funding has leveraged in excess of $400 million in other forms of equity and debt financing, and made a real difference in the quality of life for Aboriginal people.

For more information, please contact:

Tony Prudori, Communications Officer
INAC Communications
(807) 624-1535

Chief Charlie O'Keese, Chief
Eabametoong First Nation
(807) 242-7441

Backgrounder - Eabametoong First Nation Economic Development Projects

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