Economic Development
Due to the fact that we are underfunded by the Federal Govt we need to embark on economic development initiatives to obtain own source revenue ( OSR ) and much needed jobs for the community. In addition to the 3 run of the river hydroelectric projects we also
have an employment contract with Barrick and Barminco. We also have construction type contracts with Barrick through BMC and our partnership with Mobert.
We also have a partnership with Mobert and a private business person to provide accommodations to Barminco and Barrick. The facility is called GMS camps and is located on Hwy 17 west of the Marathon Junction.
In addition, we are working on :
1-Giiwa on Court.
In partnership with Fort William First Nation we are in the process of purchasing the old Government building on Court St in Thunder Bay. The building is in good shape. This building will provide 45 low to med rental units. Biigtigong and FWFN will have a few set aside for their people. There will also be a day care and a business centre. The basement will be used for rental storage spaces.
It is an exciting project and will not only provide low to med apartments for our people but will provide income and jobs both short term and long term for Biigtigong and FWFN.
FWFN and Biigtigong are actively exploring other potential business partnerships in Thunder Bay and possibly in Toronto and Winnipeg as well.
2- MTO Contracts. North Superior Chiefs, including myself, have lobbied and fought hard to have First Nations included in MTO contracts and to have stronger First Nation content in the MTO contract RFP's. I , personally, have made MTO aware that we ARE to be included in MTO contracts within our traditional territory.
2.1 - Pic River Bridge. The MKWA staff and Dbenjigan have lobbied MTO to have the Pic R Bridge resurfacing, sole source contracted. They have been successful and we will do that resurfacing contract with an industry partner.
2.2 - Hwy 627 and 614. Winter maintenance. Mkwa has purchased a snowplow and we will now be maintaining Hwy627 ( Heron Bay Rd ) and Hwy 614 ( Manitouwadge Hwy ). We will be using the knowledge and capacity building from this contract to eventually take over the entire Marathon Hwy Maintenance contract.
2.3 - Steel River hill. Major work to straighten out the hill. I WILL make sure Biigtigong and MKWA are included in this project.
2.4 - Little Pic River hill. Major work to straighten out the hill. I WILL make sure Biigtigong and MKWA are included in this project.
2.5 - Mink Creek and Hare Creek Culvert replacement. I will make sure Biigtigong and MKWA are included in this project.
3 - Purchase of Properties. We have purchased several properties for economic development purposes. One of these properties in Marathon will be developed into a commercial laundromat cleaning coveralls for various mines and corporate entities. It will not compete with the existing laundromat. One of the properties contains a large garage that is being used to repair MKWA equipment including the new snow plow.
4 - Port Authority. We are in discussions with the town of Marathon to create a Port Authority to make the old mill dock a functioning marine facility . WE also want to ensure that that marine facility is accessible to everyone. This is a deep sea dock so there is a huge potential.
5- Aquaculture. We are in discussions with a proponent who wishes to place an aquaculture program in Peninsula Harbour. We have created a law so that We can permit the process.
This project also has a lot of potential for revenue , jobs and growth. We are looking at transporting the fish, building a facility and providing the fish food. We are also looking at creating a fingerling hatchery and eventually a fish processing plant. The market for fresh fish is huge and has huge growth potential.
6 - Commercial Fishery. WE are in discussions with OMNR Fisheries about increasing the quota on our commercial fishing license so that we can purchase a fish tug and put people to work OR have an entrepreneur do it. Discussions continue.
7 - ECO Tourism. There may be opportunities for eco tourism initiatives as well along the Pukaskwa coast and on the Steel R and Steel Lakes. We are trying to get the Steel River area protected as an Indigenous Park. These Indigenous Parks would also act as a corridor to connect the Coastal Caribou with the Northern herds. We are looking to create a partnership with Michpicoten FN to protect the Caribou on Slate Islands and reintroduce them to Michpicoten Island and eventually, in the long run, to the southern portion of Pukaskwa NP.
We also had plans for an Interpretive Centre somewhere near the Pow Wow Grounds when we planned to upgrade the grounds. These plans need to be revived as Own Source Revenue increases.
