Rick Garrick — Wawatay News

First Nation leaders are concerned Ministry of Natural Resources Minister Linda Jeffrey’s listening tour across NAN territory will be considered as consultation.
“Every time the minister says hello to somebody,” said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy, that could be consultation to her.
Beardy continues to express concerns about the Far North Act, Bill 191, which was first introduced in the provincial legislature in June 2009 to move towards permanent protection of at least half of Ontario’s Far North.

Webequie and Neskantaga are set to receive about $3.2 million for airport upgrades.
“I’m pleased to announce funding for the Lansdowne House (Neskantaga) and Webequie airports that will allow them to make important safety and infrastructure upgrades, and sustain service to passengers throughout the community,” said Kenora MP Greg Rickford, on behalf of Canada’s Transport Minister John Baird.
Webequie will receive $1,914,000 during 2010/2011 under the Airport Capital Assistance Program, while Neskantaga will receive $1,298,000.

Marten Falls First Nation cancelled the Emerging Business Conference.
“We didn’t like how it was being handled by the company that was handling it,” said Marten Falls Chief Eli Moonias. “We’re just going to ask the companies interested to come and see us here.”
Moonias said any visits to Marten Falls, which is a remote fly-in community located about 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, would have to be organized by the companies.

First Nation students gain skills and certification in variety of courses through seven-week program
Lac La Croix’s Dylan Ottertail is looking to the future while participating in the 11th First Nations Natural Resources Youth Employment Program.
“We explore lots of different careers,” Ottertail said during the 2010 Natural Resources Science Camp segment of the seven-week program. “We could make a good career out of this. We could go into the mining industry, forest industry.”

Wasaya’s Taking Flight project has given Walter Slipperjack a new role within the company.
During the last four months, Slipperjack, originally from Kenora, Ont., has been Wasaya’s acting station manager at the Thunder Bay airport. He said his new position involves looking after Wasaya’s cargo, ramp and terminal staff.
“It’s definitely an experience. You learn something new every day,” he said.