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For Immediate Release
December 4, 2002

News Release

Nishnawbe Aski Nation's Land and Resources Capacity Development

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TIMMINS – The Ernie Eves government will provide funding of $499,500 over three years to assist the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) in land and resources capacity development, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs David Young announced today. The funds will increase the Nishnawbe Aski Nation's access to expertise concerning forestry and mining issues and expand their participation in forest management, land use planning, mineral exploration and economic development activities.

"The Eves government strongly supports Aboriginal community development and self-reliance," said Young. "Ontario, through the Trillium Foundation, supports ideas and initiatives that build capacity, whether it's environmental, industrial or training. We seek to bring about lasting change for the betterment of all Ontario residents," said Young.

"Forestry and mineral exploration are two vital components of the northern economy," added Jim Wilson, Minister of Northern Development and Mines. "I am pleased to see our government providing funding that will allow the Nishnawbe Aski Nation access to opportunities that will result in economic benefits for their communities."

Through the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation will hire forestry co-ordinators and a mines and mineral co-ordinator, develop a culturally appropriate approach to land management planning, assist six First Nations' communities on forestry management plans and contribute to the development of policies on resource development and community economic development opportunities. The initiative will assist those who live in 49 First Nation communities across northern Ontario by increasing social, cultural, environmental and economic opportunities.

"The Nishnawbe Aski Nation sees this as a good start toward a commitment for First Nations' capacity building and sustainable development. We all need to focus more on our participation in lands and resources development. The Nishnawbe Aski Nation has worked hard for this recognition," said Grand Chief Stan Beardy.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ministry of Culture, annually receives $100 million in government funding generated through Ontario's charity casino initiative. The Ontario Trillium Foundation works in partnership with community representatives to make strategic investments to build healthy, caring and economically strong communities in Ontario.

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Rosemary Sampson
Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat
416-326-4780

Lorraine Gandolfo
Ontario Trillium Foundation
416-963-7972

Related link: Ontario Trillium Foundation