Mining in Northern Ontario: Building Relationships with Aboriginal Communities

TORONTO — Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) have released a new video designed to provide Aboriginal communities with a better understanding of the mining industry in Northern Ontario.

The video, entitled Our Community...Our Future: Mining and Aboriginal Communities, describes the mining sequence from government geological surveying and mapping through the entire exploration and mining process, to mine closure and site rehabilitation. The video was unveiled today at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada International Convention and Trade Show by the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, and the Honourable Rick Bartolucci, Ontario Minister of Northern Development and Mines.

“This video is an example of the success that can be achieved through collaborative work among governments, industry and Aboriginal communities,” said Minister Lunn. “The video will enable Aboriginal peoples to have a better understanding of the mining process so that they can make more informed decisions about mining and exploration in their communities.”

“The production of this excellent educational video is a collaboration in the truest sense of the word,” added Minister Bartolucci. “We are working with our First Nations partners to strengthen our relationship and deepen the understanding of our respective values, concerns and goals, and to foster a climate that provides opportunities for prosperity for all.”

“This video will help Aboriginal communities and the mineral industry better understand each other, which will lead to stronger relationships and mutual benefits that may lead to community economic sustainability,” said Michael Carpenter, Chief, Attawapiskat First Nations.

Filmed in Northern Ontario, the video was produced by NRCan and MNDM with support from a number of First Nations communities and exploration and mining companies that are active in Ontario. The video is available in both official languages, as well as in three Aboriginal languages: Cree, Oji-Cree and Ojibwa.

This initiative reaffirms the commitment of the governments of Ontario and Canada to work with Aboriginal communities to increase and enhance their participation in the exploration and mining industry.

To get a copy of the video, please visit www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms or www.mndm.gov.on.ca/mndm/mines .

FOR BROADCAST USE:

The governments of Canada and Ontario have released a new video to help Aboriginal communities across Ontario better understand the mining industry. Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn and Ontario Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci unveiled the video today at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference in Toronto.

Contact Information

Ghyslain Charron

Media Relations

Natural Resources Canada

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