Canada Promotes Indigenous Participation in Quebec's Forest Sector

The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous peoples to ensure that they participate in and benefit from natural resource projects.
The first investment of $300,000 is for the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi to support business planning and equipment reconditioning for the Nabakatuk Forest Products facility.
Support for this community-industry partnership is a promising model, which will foster stronger relationships with Indigenous peoples and competitiveness in Canada's forest economy.
Both opportunities are funded by Natural Resources Canada's Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI), which offers opportunities to Indigenous communities that rely on forests and Canada's emerging forest bioeconomy.

WASWANIPI, QC, Nov. 12, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada's forest sector continues to be an important generator of good jobs in communities across the country, including rural, remote and Indigenous communities. The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous peoples to ensure that they participate in — and benefit from — natural resource projects.

Paul Lefebvre, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $330,000 investment for two forestry projects in Waswanipi, Quebec, that will create jobs and boost the local economy.

The first investment of $300,000 is for the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi to support business planning and equipment reconditioning for the Nabakatuk Forest Products facility. This funding will enable the reopening of the facility so that it can provide mill-finished lumber for retail markets. Support for this community-industry partnership is a promising model, which will foster stronger relationships with Indigenous peoples and competitiveness in Canada's forest economy.

The second investment of $30,000 supports the acquisition and launch of Ungava Gourmande, an Indigenous-led business focused on non-timber forest products, such as wild food jellies derived from fruits and plants. The investment will support Ungava with its business planning, provide training to workers and lay the foundation for future economic development.

Both opportunities are funded by Natural Resources Canada's Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI), which offers opportunities to Indigenous communities that rely on forests and Canada's emerging forest bioeconomy.

Quotes

"This project will directly benefit the community through the creation of good jobs and is a great example of how we are working with Indigenous partners to create forest-based economic development opportunities. Our government is proud to support these business efforts, and I congratulate both partners for leading the way in forest sustainability and providing eco-friendly development solutions."

Paul Lefebvre
Parliamentary Secretary

"Nabakatuk Forest Products is entering a new venture to finally produce a finished lumber product and become a new competitor in the regional lumber industry. The Nabakatuk facility will play a vital role in the creation of meaningful employment for the community members of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi. This project is made possible with the contribution of the Canadian government through the department of Natural Resources, and we are truly grateful for such support."

Derrick Neeposh
Director General, Nabakatuk Forest Products

"Ungava Gourmande values the financial contribution from Natural Resources Canada. From this contribution, Ungava Gourmande is able to produce niche food products from non-timber natural resources, providing the community an economic development opportunity that can easily coincide with the Cree cultural way of life."

Irene Neeposh
Owner, Ungava Gourmande

Associated Links:

Indigenous Forestry Initiative
Simply Science

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada