Eagle Village First Nation-Kipawa (Quebec), January 17, 2005 -- The Chief of Eagle Village First Nation, Mr. Lance Haymond, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine, Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Regional Chief Ghislain Picard, Mr. Benoît Pelletier, Quebec Minister for Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs and Aboriginal Affairs, and the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, are pleased to announce the Grand Opening of Migizy Gas Station. This announcement is the culmination of a lot of effort by the Band Council to make this project a reality. The Migizy Gas Station could not have gone ahead without the financial contribution of various partners: the Government of Quebec (Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones) provided $536 000, the Band Council contributed $143 224, the Government of Canada (Indian and Northern Affairs Canada) provided a contribution of $99 500, and the Royal Bank of Canada provided a $350 000 loan. "This project exemplifies the opportunity to provide a much needed service to the members of Eagle Village and surrounding municipalities, at the same time creating our own source revenues which will be reinvested in the community," stated Chief Haymond. "This facility is an example of the kind of partnership and cooperation that can exist between First Nations, government and the private business sector," said National Chief Phil Fontaine. "Today, we are sending a strong, clear message to all Canadians that First Nation communities are open for business, won't you come and join us." "The achievement of this project is excellent news for the economic development of the Eagle Village community and it proves that First Nations have their place in the economy as much as governments and the private sector ", explained Regional Chief Ghislain Picard. "Projects such as Migizy Gas Station are productive for a community. I wish to congratulate the elected officials and businesspeople of Eagle Village-Kipawa, who have shown their leadership and their resolve in the startup of this business. For the Government of Quebec, this type of partnership is essential to create jobs and future opportunities for a community," declared Minister Benoît Pelletier. "Aboriginal entrepreneurship has developed at an accelerated rate. Moreover, it is estimated that in the next ten years, the Aboriginal workforce will grow at twice the rate of total Canadian labour force. The Eagle Village First Nation is a prime example that it is possible to attain two objectives with one initiative by having created jobs for its members and having developed a new business market that will generate significant spinoffs not only for the community but the entire region. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is proud to be a partner in such a project as Migizy Gas," said Minister Scott. In November 2003, the Band Council of Eagle Village signed an economic development and community infrastructure agreement with the Government of Quebec. Under the agreement, the Government of Quebec made available to the community of Eagle Village, a budget of $1.3 million over five years to support economic development projects. As a condition, at least half of the project funding must be assumed by the community, the federal government or any other partner. The gas station project is the first project resulting from the funds available through this agreement and is an excellent example of partnership between the community, the federal and provincial governments and the Royal Bank of Canada. The Algonquin community of Eagle Village is located on the shore of Kipawa Lake, approximately 10 km from the town of Témiskaming. The community has 677 members, 266 of which reside on the territory. Photos - 30 - Contacts: Chief Lance Haymond Eagle Village First Nation (819) 627-3455 Nancy Pine Communications Advisor Office of the National Chief Assembly of First Nations (613) 298-6382 Alain Garon Information and Communications Officer Office of the Regional Chief Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (418) 842-5020 Damir Croteau Press Secretary Office of Minister Benoît Pelletier (418) 646-5950 Hélène Philippe Communications Manager Quebec Regional Office Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (418) 648-7675 Backgrounder - Migizy Gas Station
