Fort William First Nation Keeps Growing

THUNDER BAY – FORT WILLIAM FN – Fort William First Nation Chief Georjann Morriseau shared thoughts for students returning to school on Saturday at Marina Park in Thunder Bay. The Chief is leading her community in a number of efforts. Work on a new housing development is ongoing, as well as work on up on the mountain to improve the Pow Wow Grounds.

Chief Morriseau states that students need to keep following their dreams, and keep going in their education.

The work at the Pow Wow Grounds is scheduled to be completed by late September or early October.

The need for housing on Fort William First Nation is key as the community continues to grow.

Fort William First Nation (FWFN) and Oshki-Aki LP hosted a ground breaking ceremony at the future site of Fort William First Nation’s new subdivision on Friday. Chief Georjann Morriseau, Fort William First Nation Council members, Elder Vic Pelletier, along with Oshki-Aki LP President Eric Zakrewski, broke ground at the new twenty lot subdivision and recreational site.

“Fort William First Nation is proud to present yet another community driven development initiative that is being managed by our engineering firm Oshki-Aki LP,” stated Chief Georjann Morriseau. The new subdivision will feature a state-of-the-art stormwater management plan and a public recreation site. “Our intent is to build capacity in the community through our partnership firm, provide housing opportunities to our members, and promote an active lifestyle for youth, through Oshki-Aki we are doing just that,” added Morriseau.

The new subdivision is roughly 4.6 hectares in size and was designed around a distinct stormwater management strategy for single family dwellings.

“Our plan is to keep the houses high and dry, away from any chance of flooding,” stated Eric Zakrewski, President of Oshki-Aki LP. FWFN utilized its joint venture partnership Oshki-Aki LP to manage the overall project which included concept, design and contract administration of the new site. “We are pleased to assist our partner Fort William First Nation in this initiative and we look forward to contributing to many more community milestones,” added Zakrewski.

Through Oshki-Aki LP, FWFN employs local members and provides material and labour outsourcing opportunities to local First Nation businesses. The joint venture partnership has the capabilities to provide technical support and expertise in the areas of engineering, environment, air and surveying, which enables Fort William First Nation to take on a variety of community based initiatives such as the subdivision. Construction is anticipated to be completed by next year.