THUNDER BAY – “Partnerships First Nation to First Nation for a Prosperous Future will feature several speakers, workshop sessions, and a tradeshow, all focusing on providing tools and resources that participants can take back home and implement to improve the quality of life in their communities.
As the Ring of Fire development continues to spark the interests of many, the two day conference will commence with a presentation from the Ontario Ring of Fire Coordinator Christine Kaszycki followed Matawa First Nations newly appointed Ring of Fire Coordinator Raymond Ferris.
Currently the Matawa region is the most active mineral exploration region in Northern Ontario, with hundreds of mining and mineral companies working in First Nation’s traditional territories. Matawa First Nations continues to work together as a regional group of First Nations to build beneficial relationships with key industry and businesses in the minerals sector. Ferris’ presentation will highlight his role as the Ring of Fire Coordinator, along with an update on mining development in remote Northern Ontario.
The conference will also put a spotlight on community successes featuring workshops from two Matawa entrepreneurs. Norman Solomon and Lillian Suganaqueb will talk about their recent successes and what it took to get there.
Other speakers and workshops include:
4 Rivers Project: Sarah Cockerton, Matawa First Nations Environmental Programs Coordinator Youth Forum~ Ring of Fire: Effects on future jobs, training and education- a youth perspective; Partnership & Collaboration: Paul Capon, Matawa First Nations, Joseph Young, Indian Northern Affairs Canada and Lori Churchill, Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry
Community members from all of the Matawa First Nations communities will be in attendance amoung First Nations leadership, representatives from the business community, First Nation youth, along with representatives from various industry sectors including mining and forestry.
The 3rd Annual Matawa First Nations Community Governance & Economic Development Conference will be held at the Valhalla Inn on March 1st and 2nd. Please see the attached for a detailed agenda. Media are invited to attend.