An “absolutely integral” boost was given to economic development efforts at Atikameksheng Anishnawbek this week, with the federal government granting the First Nation $1,041,192.
The financial boost was announced at the Giyak Mishkawzid Shkagmikwe (GMS) satellite office in downtown Sudbury on Feb. 12, and was on behalf of FedNor.
GMS is the First Nation’s economic development corporation, which formed last year, also thanks to FedNor funding.
Mining companies have not done what they should have done with Indigenous communities in the past, Nickel Belt Liberal MP Marc Serré said during Wednesday’s funding announcement.
“We can take this opportunity to make sure that we correct the wrongs of the past,” he said while announcing the funds.
“Reconciliation is a complex process, but it’s also an incredibly important process, and every step we take as part of the journey is important,” Sudbury Liberal MP Viviane Lapointe said.
“Economic reconciliation represents an important opportunity, and our government is committed to nation-to-nation relationships with Indigenous peoples based on respect, co-operation and also partnership.”
Of the funds, $575,199 will go toward the purchase of a diamond drill to be owned by GMS and leased to GMS’s joint venture, Bagone’an JS Drilling Inc. for use in resource exploration and mine development.
The balance of the funds will go toward the Chi-Zhiingwaak business park currently in development at the First Nation.
This funding “is absolutely integral,” GMS board chair Aime Dimatteo told Sudbury.com following Wednesday’s announcement.
The business park is a longstanding effort that previously housed a fuel-blending facility, which has since gone under, on two lots.
“We’re going to resurrect that activity, and we’ve been approached by a number of businesses that are interested in the facility as it exists right now,” he said, adding that in addition to repurposing these existing structures, 15 new lots will be created.
The federal funding will go toward the infrastructure work required toward what is expected to be a $5.7- to $6-million project.
Although other funding partners are coming into play, Dimatteo stressed that FedNor’s ongoing support was what nudged the project forward.
He anticipates shovels in the ground by this summer and that all 15 lots will be accounted for in short order.
“The community’s been waiting for years and years,” Dimatteo said.
In a media release, it’s noted that the 26-hectare business park is expected to help create more than 170 jobs for First Nation community members and close to 200 more across the region.
Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation’s population is approximately 1,600, of whom Dimatteo said approximately 500 to 600 live on reserve.
“Why would you return to the reserve if there are no opportunities for jobs or for growth?” he said, pointing to these economic development efforts as potentially inspiring people to come back to their home community.
Although Atikameksheng Gimaa Craig Nootchtai did not attend Wednesday’s media conference, he was quoted in a FedNor media release.
“This FedNor support will help us expand our role in the mining sector and complete the Chi-Zhiingwaak business park,” he said. “I am pleased that the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of these projects and is supporting our efforts to create more jobs, become more competitive and position Atikameksheng Anishnawbek for long-term success.”
Tyler Clarke covers city hall and political affairs for Sudbury.com.
