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GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ASSISTS WAHNAPITAE FIRST NATION TO DEVELOP MINERAL STRATEGY TO MAXIMIZE MINERAL SECTOR OPPORTUNITIES

SUDBURY, ONTARIO (November 21, 2003) - Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, Raymond Bonin, on behalf of Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Robert D. Nault, is pleased to announce a contribution of $27,000 to help a northeastern Ontario First Nation maximize the impacts of mining opportunities near their community.

Mr. Bonin says this grant is a good example of how the Government of Canada is working in partnership with First Nations, other governments, and the private sector to improve access to economic development opportunities. "There has been significant exploration and mining in the area. First Nation participation in realizing these opportunities will be good for the local and regional economies," he said.

Through the Resource Partnerships Program, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is providing the Wahnapitae First Nation with $27,000 to help the community develop a Mineral Industry Strategy. This strategy is intended to help the First Nation identify potential partnerships for mineral exploration and development, and help develop benefit agreements and joint working agreements with mining companies.

Mining companies have explored, developed and mined minerals such as nickel, copper, platinum, and gold within a 50-kilometre radius of the First Nation. Recently, platinum deposits have also been located in the area.

Wahnapitae First Nation Chief Ted Roque says the funding is appreciated. "This strategy will help the community take advantage of the mineral resources in our territory while ensuring the long term sustainability of the wealth in the area."

The Resource Partnerships Program co-funds strategic planning and negotiations activities leading to the creation and early implementation of joint working agreements. The goal is to obtain economic benefits, from major resource development projects, for First Nation and Inuit communities.

The Wahnapitae First Nation is located on the north shore of Wahnapitae Lake, approximately 29 kilometres northwest of Sudbury, Ontario, with a total membership of 326 and an on-reserve population of 36 (as of June 2003).

For more information, please contact:

Susan Bertrand, Senior Information Officer
INAC Communications
(807) 624-1531

Councillor Peter Recollet
Wahnapitae First Nation
(705) 858-0610

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