Long Lake 58 First Nation is preparing for a period of significant economic opportunity as major energy, transportation, resource and infrastructure initiatives take shape across Northern Ontario and Canada.
The Nation is positioning itself to participate on its own terms in opportunities connected to the Ring of Fire, proposed Northern Shield Energy Corridor and pipeline, Highway 11 and rail infrastructure, mining and forestry, new electricity transmission, Ontario’s clean-energy initiatives, and nuclear waste management decisions affecting Northwestern Ontario.
Long Lake 58 is also working with the governments of Ontario and Canada to advance its long-standing land claim, which could strengthen its land base and ability to invest in its future as well as provide certainty for those wanting to invest in this resource rich area of the province.
Taken together, these initiatives will support new partnerships and ownership, employment and training, business development, infrastructure and long-term own-source revenues. Long Lake 58 can ensure that development affecting its lands and interests proceeds with the Nation as a participant and partner and that its people prosper.
The Nation is strengthening its governance and economic institutions so it can assess opportunities carefully, negotiate strong agreements and make sound long-term decisions. A Governance Committee has been established to guide this work, with technical and strategic support from Mamaskatch Advisory Services. Long Lake 58 will retain control over its priorities, decisions and institutions.
“There is a great deal happening around Long Lake 58, and we can see a number of opportunities coming together,” said Chief John O’Nabigon. “Our job is to make sure our community is ready. We want our members to benefit through jobs, businesses, partnerships, ownership and stronger community infrastructure, while protecting our lands, rights and future generations.”
Chief O’Nabigon added: “We are approaching this with optimism. Long Lake 58 is in a strategic location, with a strong land base and a young population. If we prepare properly and make good decisions, the projects being discussed across Northern Ontario can help create lasting prosperity for our people. We want governments and industry to recognize Long Lake 58 as a serious partner in the future of the region.”
Mike McDonald, K.C., ICD.D, of Mamaskatch Advisory Services, said the work will focus on building the governance, institutional and investment capacity needed to evaluate opportunities while keeping decision-making with the First Nation.
About Long Lake 58 First Nation Long Lake 58 First Nation is an Anishinaabe community located near Longlac in the Municipality of Greenstone in Northern Ontario.
About Mamaskatch Advisory Services Mamaskatch Advisory Services provides strategic advisory services to Indigenous Nations and institutional investors.