November 16, 2018
How can small communities benefit from development? What kind of business opportunities do mines bring? How do I get the skills to make a career in natural resource development?
These were the questions on the docket at the first-ever Kátł'odeeche First Nation Mining Symposium. With the GNWT’s help, the symposium brought expertise from government and beyond to answer them in Hay River.
The two-day program, held at the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre after a venue change, included information booths, guest speakers, and workshops designed to educate attendees of all ages.
Looming large in the region is the possibility of the Pine Point project moving from exploration to production. Osisko Metals was on-hand to talk about the history of the project, and what an operating Pine Point mine might look like to the region — and the territory as a whole. Osisko’s leadership detailed job and training opportunities, direct community investment, and a business boom which could transform the region if the project goes through.
Minister Wally Schumann followed that up with remarks on the GNWT’s commitment to promoting responsible mineral development, and supporting communities as they prepare to make the most of the opportunities.
“Know that this government is with you as you prepare to benefit from the new economic opportunities which may be ahead” Shumann told an attentive crowd.
Keynote speaker Chief Clarence Louie — chief of the Osoyoos Band in British Columbia — joined to talk about Indigenous companies and economic development. As a national leader in Indigenous-led economic development, the insights he brought were invaluable to goals of the conference.
The symposium wound up with a Mining Matters presentation on geology and natural resources, and an affirmation of the value of education for children who were attending from surrounding schools.
In a candid moment, Minister Schumann joined the school kids, asking the 50-strong crowd whether they knew a family member who worked at a mine. More than 1/3 of the group raised their hands.
The event was a rousing success — an opportunity for governments both Indigenous and public, industry, and the community at-large to build relationships, share ideas, and build capacity within the community.
