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EFFORTS by the province and some Manitoba First Nations to work together in the mining industry are beginning to bear fruit.
Two years ago, the province established a mining council made up of representatives of First Nations, industry and government officials.
The goal was to help smooth what had been a rocky relationship between the provincial mining branch and exploration and development companies and the First Nations whose resource lands were being affected by mineral exploration and development.
Last month, a new corporation, First Nation Mining Economic Development Inc., was formed to be independent of the council and take an active role in real economic-development opportunities.
Glenn Sanderson, a member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, is the newly appointed executive director.
At the annual Manitoba Mining and Minerals Convention, Sanderson said the goals of the new corporation are lofty.
“We’re talking about everything from First Nations-owned junior mining companies, trucking companies, diamond-drilling companies, service and fuel-delivery companies,” Sanderson said.
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