Ionic Engineering of Lively (outside of Sudbury) and the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation have signed an agreement that outlines how the two organizations will work together to pursue projects in the Sagamok traditional territories and beyond.
Through the agreement, Ionic Engineering, an engineering and manufacturing firm, will provide training and employment opportunities for members of the Sagamok community. With a demographic of mostly young people, First Nations people represent a significant labour resource for the entire Canadian economy.
“Finding the right people for the right job is one of our biggest challenges,” Ionic president Steve Matusch said in a news release.
Sagamok Chief Paul Eshkakogan said he’s excited about the partnership.
“Our young people want to work for companies that respect and appreciate their abilities,” he said. “Working with a technology company on industrial projects is exactly the kind of focus that we are looking for.”
The two organizations hope to work together to secure projects in mining, forestry and power generation.
With a number of projects currently taking place in Sagamok’s traditional territory —including KGHM’s Victoria Mine, Vale’s Totten Mine, Transition Metals’ Aer-Kidd project, and Glencore’s Vermillion-Errington Mine — the two parties expect the partnership benefit both groups for years to come.
