PIKANGIKUM FIRST NATION, ONTARIO (January 14, 2005) -- The Government of Canada is providing funding to the Pikangikum First Nation to help advance a major forestry planning initiative. Kenora Member of Parliament Roger Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, is pleased to announce a contribution of $196,700 to the Pikangikum First Nation to support planning activities and the identification of economic opportunities related to the Whitefeather Forest Planning Area. "Canada has made a commitment to work in partnership with First Nation communities to support self-reliance and economic development," Mr. Valley said. "This initiative represents an important step towards improving the quality of life in Pikangikum First Nation, and will contribute to the economies of northern Ontario and Manitoba." Pikangikum First Nation Chief Peter Quill said the initiative is a good thing for the people and for the area. "Working in partnership on the Whitefeather Forest Initiative is a step forward towards economic prosperity," said Chief Quill. "We are also pleased to be working with our partners to protect the abundance and diversity of the great northern forest." The funding, from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's Resource Access Negotiations Program, will help Pikangikum carry out a dialogue with neighbouring First Nations and municipalities regarding First Nation participation in forestry activities. The funding will also be used to help identify partnership opportunities as part of proposed plans to manage the area. These are steps in the process of obtaining a commercial forestry tenure (Sustainable Forest License) for the Whitefeather Forest Planning Area. (For more details, please see "Backgrounder: Whitefeather Forest Initiative.") The Pikangikum First Nation is located approximately 90 kilometres north of Red Lake, Ontario, and approximately 80 kilometres east of the Ontario-Manitoba border. The community, with a population of approximately 1,900 residents living on-reserve, is accessible primarily by aircraft year-round, and by winter road during the coldest winter months. - 30 - For further information, please contact: Susan Bertrand, Senior Information Officer Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Communications (807) 624-1531 Chief Peter Quill Pikangikum First Nation (807) 773-5578 Backgrounder - Whitefeather Forest Initiative
