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For Immediate Release
June 2, 2000

News Release

Aboriginal Sustainable Community Project a First for Canada

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MACTIER – Federal and Ontario cabinet ministers today joined Aboriginal leaders and private sector representatives to announce a multi-million dollar private, public and First Nation partnership project considered a model for Aboriginal economic, environmental and social development in Canada. The event marked the beginning of construction for Niigon Technologies—a world class injection molding facility that will create year round employment for the First Nation and serve as the revenue source to support Canada's first-ever Aboriginal sustainable community project.

Niigon (Ojibway meaning 'for the future') will be owned and operated by the Moose Deer Point First Nation. Niigon Technologies will manufacture computer, electronics, automotive and medical components for companies across North America. Any dividends paid by Niigon will be directed to a Trust Fund set up to invest in social, environment, wellness and infrastructure projects on the First Nation.

Husky will provide equipment, know-how and technical support until the First Nation is able to manage the facility independently. The First Nation will provide the equity, land and human resources. The federal and provincial governments have provided start-up and capital funding to support the project.

"We are very proud of this innovative partnership," stated Moose Deer Point Chief Ed Williams. "Not only will this project create opportunity and prosperity for the young people of our community, it will also serve as a model for improving the quality of life and self-sufficiency of aboriginal communities across Canada. Our holistic approach will improve the education, health, environment and prosperity of The Moose Deer Point First Nation. Our future is brighter because of the project we are announcing today."

"Through their effort, Moose Deer Point is establishing a new model for sustainable development in First Nation communities. We are very pleased to be involved in this project and see it as a win for everyone involved." Said Robert Schad, President and CEO of Husky Injection Molding Systems.

"Based on sound business principles, the federal government's investment is an essential part of this project," said the Honourable Andy Mitchell, MP for Parry Sound-Muskoka and Federal Secretary of State (Rural Development)(Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario). "This three million dollar commitment from Aboriginal Business Canada and one million dollars from the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development will help establish a high knowledge business and provide jobs for the Moose Deer Point First Nation."

"This first-ever Aboriginal sustainable community project is great news for the community and indeed the entire Province. The First Nation has not only developed a model that will create high tech jobs today, but will ensure a sound and prosperous future for all members of the Moose Deer Point community," stated Ernie Eves, Ontario's Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka.

The project is designed to demonstrate a new way in which the public and private sectors can work together to assist in the development of viable Aboriginal communities. The federal government has committed more than $4 million and the government of Ontario has invested $3.6 million into the project.

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Minister Eves
Aynsley Wintrip
416-325-9566

The Schad Foudation
Peter Kendall
905-951-5179