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'You have to know where you’re coming from to know where you’re going'

The seven industry partners — who specialize in surveying, mineral extraction, blasting, among other specialties — will allow the First Nation to seek opportunities on the traditional territory of the Missanabie Cree.
20160119 Missanabie Cree First Nation Chief Jason Gauthier MP Terry Sheehan KA

Initially denied land of its own, the Missanabie Cree First Nation is taking its future into its own hands today, with joint venture agreements announced with industry partners.

“I think the goal is that we have independence — whether that’s economic independence, whether it’s financial independence — so we are actively looking for a hand up rather than a hand out,” said Chief Jason Gauthier.

The seven industry partners — who specialize in surveying, mineral extraction, blasting, among other specialties — will allow the First Nation to seek opportunities on the traditional territory of the Missanabie Cree.

“We don’t have a reserve at this point. We live all over Northern Ontario and in the States. That puts us in an advantageous position in that we are spread out and what we focus on is the kind of opportunities that could bring for us instead of saying, ‘We’re apart.’ We try to use that to our advantage,” said Gauthier.

Tetyron Hourtovenko, a band member who has worked with one of the band’s new industry partners, brought his three-year-old daughter Cadence to the announcement.

“I wanted to be here to share that with my daughter so she could be here at the roots of where that happened. I can bear witness of the start of something and make sure that is maintained over the course of my lifetime,” said Hourtovenko.

The father and daughter sat together, listening to the drum circle which opened today’s ceremonies prior to the announcement.

“I’m trying to bring up my daughter with cultural respect in mind. You have to know where you’re coming from to know where you’re going. I am trying to give her an early advantage of knowing her roots. It’s something I have had to look for myself,” he said.

Hourtovenko said George Demers — president of Vital Drilling, one of the partners announced today — has been a mentor to him.

“His respect for traditional lands, territories and native culture is what brings him here, as opposed to the larger companies, who are profit-oriented,” said Hourtovenko.

Demers said the mineral exploration industry has been in a downturn the last few years, but it is the perfect time to prospect.

“By the time you find a deposit, it’s probably another 10 to 20 years to get the product on the market. Today’s pricing of the commodities is really irrelevant to what the pricing is going to be 20 years from now. Unfortunately some investors are gun shy as far as investing today but it’s actually the best time with the dollar being the way it is. Your dollar goes further,” said Demers.

Mayor Christian Provenzano, Algoma—Manitoulin MPP Mike Mantha and Sault MP Terry Sheehan were in at the event, as were representatives from the partners, including Vital Drilling, Austin Powder Ltd., Advanced Security, ESS Support Services, Northec Construction Inc., Quatro and Tulloch Engineering. 

Mantha, who is the NDP critic for Northern Development and Mines, said a mutual respect between governments and First Nations is long overdue.

“That relationship that should have been there, that could have been there from the beginning as far as true partners with First Nations,” said Mantha.

He said the promise of projects on Missanabie Cree traditional lands are not just good for the First Nation, but for all of Northern Ontario.

“This is a community that is saying, ‘We’re getting prepared. Whether you like it or not, Missanabie Cree is going to be a part of this region and we are going to be prepared when development comes to our area,’” said Mantha.

The First Nation was recognized by the Canadian government, but its people were landless until 2010, when the Missanabie Cree were transferred 39 square kilometres of land in the Missanabie area, adjacent to the Chapleau Game Preserve.

Gauthier said the First Nation is preparing for any opportunities in their territory, or other territories where they can turn the joint ventures into economic opportunity.

“I think the point is we are preparing ourselves for anything that may come in the future so we do not get left behind,” said Gauthier.

Sheehan said dealing with First Nations on a nation-to-nation basis is an important pillar of the Liberal platform.

“When we work together in partnership, it only makes Canada a better place,” said Sheehan.


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Kenneth Armstrong

About the Author: Kenneth Armstrong

Kenneth Armstrong is a news reporter and photojournalist who regularly covers municipal government, business and politics and photographs events, sports and features.
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