Three Indigenous-led initiatives in Northern Ontario are among those sharing $850,000 in federal funding to advance critical minerals development across the country.
Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Patty Hajdu announced the list of projects — being funded through the Indigenous Grants Stream of the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund — during a Jan. 14 news conference, which was held in Thunder Bay and livestreamed.
“These projects will take place in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Ontario, and they're there to strengthen capacity for Indigenous engagement and participation of clean energy and transportation infrastructure for critical minerals development,” Hajdu said.
“Each initiative is a testament to the vision and the leadership of the Indigenous communities involved.”
The funding will enable each of the recipient Indigenous communities to build capacity so they can more fully participate in resource development projects, Hajdu said, although that may look different in each community.
In some cases, it may mean training for members so they can assess and review project proposals in their territories, while in others it might mean investing in projects as shareholders.
“If we don't actually grow this economy in a way that protects people, protects land, and protects opportunity for full participation of Indigenous people, we're just not going to be able to meet the needs of the day,” Hajdu said.
Of the funds announced for Northern Ontario, $300,000 will be shared amongst six First Nations that are forming a partnership and undertaking community engagement for the upgrading of the Greenstone Transmission Line, which is slated to support lithium exploration and renewable energy opportunities in the region.
Each of the participating communities will receive $50,000; they include Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Aroland First Nation, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek, Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, Ginoogaming First Nation, and Red Rock Indian Band.
Another $75,000 will go to the Mushkegowuk Council to discuss topics related to land, mining and development in the region, including Ring of Fire mining and all-seasons access road developments, Indigenous rights and community perspectives.
Mushkegowk Council represents Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Chapleau Cree, Taykwa Tagamou, Moose Cree, and Missanabie Cree First Nations.
A final $50,000 will go to Nibinamik First Nation toward preliminary community engagement to inform a corridor study that would evaluate the feasibility of bringing critical infrastructure to the Nibinamik community, including a transmission line, an all-weather road and other utilities through an east–west, multi-use corridor.
The study will look at linkages to the proposed Webequie Supply Road, Northern Road Link and Marten Falls Community Access Road project and will be integral for the Nibinamik community to make informed decisions on supporting access to and development in their homelands.
“We're investing in a strong, sustainable and sovereign critical minerals economy, while advancing reconciliation by ensuring Indigenous participation,” Hajdu said.
“We're laying the groundwork to position Canada and all of its regions, including Northern Ontario, as leaders of the new age of clean growth.”
Hajdu pointed to the Timmins-area Crawford nickel project, being developed by Canada Nickel, as a prime example of the region’s critical minerals leadership.
Calling it “transformative,” Hajdu noted the proposed nickel mine is one of the first “nation-building projects” to be recognized by the federal government’s Major Projects Office, which is working to streamline the approvals process.
On Tuesday, the project received similar recognition under Ontario’s One Project, One Process framework. According to the company, this will help get construction underway on the project by year’s end.
Paul Gladu, chief of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek, spoke fondly about the advances his community has seen in recent years.
As it continues to re-establish its ties to its traditional territory after a period of displacement, the community is seeing new opportunities in mining, forestry and other development projects alongside other area First Nations, he noted.
“It's a pleasure to sit in the same room and with the other chiefs and working on projects moving forward,” Gladu said.
“You know, we should have been doing this years ago, but this critical fund that we have here … it'll help us develop and work together.”
He encouraged area chiefs, including those in the Ring of Fire region, to continue working together to “make things happen.”