The Minawshyn Development Corporation (MDC) and Enterprise Canada announced on March 2 that the groups had entered into memoranda of understanding with three companies to help develop community-based infrastructure projects with nine First Nations communities in northern Ontario.

The memoranda were signed with Ontario Power Generation (OPG), EPCOR and PCL Construction. The groups will help MDC, which is a wholly owned corporation of the Matawa First Nations member communities, develop partnerships for infrastructure and resource development related to transportation, broadband, energy, and other large-scale First Nation business opportunities.

The groups will work alongside MDC to explore infrastructure solutions that will benefit member communities in the Matawa region, which is located about 450 kilometres north of Thunder Bay.

"We're excited to be working with Matawa First Nations on developing community-based projects that benefit and explore economic development in their region," said Heather Ferguson, OPG's senior vice-president of corporate affairs. "This is a critical step towards forging a path forward in this remote region and ensuring that these communities benefit from innovative, energy-based solutions."

"PCL is proud to work with the Matawa First Nations and their partners to support indigenous led solutions for the development and delivery of infrastructure throughout the region," said Monique Buckberger, District Manager at PCL Construction. "PCL has a strong commitment to clients and partners who drive innovation and we look forward to supporting Matawa's vision and goals."

Under the terms of the memoranda, Matawa First Nations will play a lead role in developing Northern infrastructure and guiding the emerging northern economy. MDC and its partners will explore creating a corporation to oversee construction and financing of infrastructure across the region.

Doing so, says the MDC, will help define the needs of communities that “have long waited for crucial infrastructure that will bring their people the stability and hope that they deserve.”

“Government is slow to change its processes of funding for some of our basic needs and our communities do not have any more time to wait,” said Chief Judy Desmoulin of Long Lake #58 First Nation. “The MOUs bring new hope and will be the faster vehicle to bring us healing and wellness through things like infrastructure development – housing, culture and language centres, improvement to schools, play equipment and recreational facilities for our children and youth.”

 “As of March 2, my community has been in a state of emergency for 234 days and under a boil water advisory for 6,788 days,” said Chief Harvey Yesno of Eabametoong First Nation. “We are in dire need of infrastructure of every kind, with an urgent need for adequate proper housing. With crowded conditions throughout my community, and even 18 people living in one house—we have an immediate need for 204 houses. To be able to build infrastructure in a more proactive way is a welcome opportunity to level the playing field.”

MDC member communities include: Aroland First Nation, Constance Lake First Nation, Eabametoong First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation, Long Lake #58 First Nation, Marten Falls First Nation, Neskantaga First Nation, Nibinamik First Nation, and Webequie First Nation.