State of the Nations event to highlight Indigenous mining plans

A first-ever conference aims to connect Indigenous leaders with businesses as local mining ambitions grow.

The Manitoba Prospectors and Developers Association expects to rally a half-dozen chiefs to present on their communities’ mineral development projects.

The Nov. 16 event — called the State of the Nations — comes as the province promises to triple critical mineral production.

“We want to see those minerals being developed and being able to be exported,” said Renée Greyeyes, the prospectors association’s chief executive.

“The business community has an opportunity to … find out what exactly projects are existing, or what the potential is there.”

Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Chief Gordon Bluesky and Kiciwapa Cree Nation headman Floyd North are among the confirmed presenters. They’ll take part in panels answering questions from the crowd, Greyeyes said.

The goal is to build relationships as mineral development accelerates, she added: “We have a real big opportunity to be able to take that to more of an international, more of a global stage.”

The Victoria Inn Hotel conference can fit 500 people. Tickets begin at $250.

“It’s a really important conversation, because there is a huge opportunity for Indigenous people and businesses in Manitoba’s mining sector,” Shelly Bulycz, chief executive of the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, wrote in a statement.

Ownership and equity in projects — via contracts and supply chain integration — is necessary, Bulycz added.

James Beddome, executive director of the Manitoba Eco-Network, called Indigenous inclusion in mining “fundamental.”

The Manitoba Eco-Network, meanwhile, is preparing to launch workshops about mining practices.

The sessions will be open to the public; attendees will discuss how communities should be involved in the sector in the future, and what legal reforms could be adopted in Manitoba, among other things.

The non-profit is partnering with the University of Winnipeg, Public Interest Law Centre and Alberta Environmental Law Centre.

It’s scheduled free sessions in Thompson on Oct. 20, Flin Flon on Oct. 21, and The Pas on Oct. 22. Events in Pine Falls, Brandon and Winnipeg should follow in November and December.

Beddome expected to update the Manitoba Eco-Network’s website with details this week.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com