SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO (January 25, 2005) -- The Government of Canada congratulates the Missanabie Cree First Nation for its latest initiative in creating wealth for the First Nation from northeastern Ontario forests. The First Nation is signing a forestry partnership agreement with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Tembec Incorporated. Brent St. Denis, Member of Parliament for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing, on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, commended the First Nation for establishing this important partnership that will generate jobs, training and other benefits in exchange for access to forest harvesting rights in part of the First Nation's traditional territories. "The Government of Canada is pleased to support partnerships such as these," said Mr. St. Denis. "Through the provision of opportunities, and increasing economic prosperity, it is these types of initiatives that will make a real difference in the lives of First Nations people." Missanabie Cree First Nation Chief Glenn Nolan said the occasion is a cause for celebration. "This partnership will help us become a more sustainable, self-reliant community. Creating this kind of forestry wealth will help the First Nation, but its spin-off benefits will also help the economy of the region as a whole." The Government of Canada, through Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's Resource Acquisition Negotiations Program, contributed $96,600 to the First Nation to help fund negotiations that led to the signing of this agreement. The Resource Access Negotiations Program helps First Nations and Inuit communities with developing feasibility studies, planning and negotiations to access business and employment opportunities in major resource projects, attracting investment in on-reserve natural resources, and accessing and managing off-reserve natural resources. Activities are expected to lead to agreements which will enhance employment and business benefits from resource-based opportunities. The Missanabie Cree First Nation, which has no reserve but maintains an office in Garden River, near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, has a total of approximately 350 band members. - 30 - For further information, please contact: Tony Prudori Communications Officer Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Communications (807) 624-1535 Chief Glenn Nolan Missanabie Cree First Nation (705) 254-2702
