Missanabie Cree First Nation has signed joint venture agreements with seven business partners, with the goal of becoming a strong contender to bid on development work taking place in its territories.
"Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding areas anticipate seeing major development projects in the coming years," said Missanabie Chief Jason Gauthier in a news release.
"To succeed, these projects will require the support and participation of First Nations communities and — as stewards of the land — the Missanabie Cree First Nation is in a unique position to provide strategic services."
Joint venture partners include: Advanced Security (security and investigative services); Austin Powder (blasting services); ESS Support Services (workplace support, including meals); Northec Construction Inc. (construction services); Quatro Industries Ltd. (material handling); Tulloch Engineering (engineering and surveying); and Vital Drilling (mineral exploration).
"As a team, our first line of business is to look for opportunities to bid on mining contracts on traditional territory of the Missanabie Cree," said Gauthier. "We hope to be able to put in a competitive bid when related contracts start to go through tender."
Gauthier said the community hoped to benefit from these joint ventures by creating economic benefits and employment for community members.
"We have a vision of our community re-established on the traditional lands that were once the homeland of our ancestors where institutions of our government, economy and education can once again thrive," Gauthier said.
Missanabie Cree First Nation’s traditional territory is located north of Sault Ste. Marie.