NAN Candidate Derek Fox on Economic Development Issues
THUNDER BAY – Anishinabek – Derek Fox says that for real economic development to take place, the first step is building social capacity, and increased health for First Nation communities. Fox is running for the responsibility of Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief. The NAN election will take place in August.
In an interview with NetNewsLedger, Fox explains that he is travelling to communities, meeting with Chiefs, meeting with people, and gathering insights into what each community needs. In a recent visit to Mishkeegogaming First Nation, Fox says what the community needs, according to Chief and Council and the people is work to help heal people suffering from addictions and health issues.
Chief Connie Gray-McKay told me Mishkeegogaming needs a new treatment centre,” said Fox.
Derek Fox was invited to Mishkeegogaming and spoke with several of the participants who were on the communities 700 kilometre walk to Thunder Bay as part of the awareness and healing for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women.
“If they don’t have the workers who can fill jobs,” states Fox, “Mining companies say we are going to hire some of your people, but the truth is a lot of those people are not going to be able to hold those jobs”.
“When I talk about economic development, it starts with the individuals, in each community, to empower them and bring health back to our people”, states Fox.
“We have to start at the grassroots level”.
The visit, and the grassroots engagement has Fox looking at how much work is really needed, and how critical it is to get going now to start.
Fox states that the journey may not end in his lifetime, but that the journey must start now.
Fox commented on how Carey Price dedicated his win of the Vezina Trophy at the National Hockey League Awards will make a huge impact on First Nations Youth.
Having positive role models is a key part of Derek Fox’s plan.
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