More than just a “gesture of tokenism,” the $2.7 million provided by the federal government to two Sudbury-area First Nations will translate to training and meaningful work in the mining industry for the people of those communities, according to Aitkameksheng Anishnawbek Chief Craig Nootchtai.
The funds, announced Oct. 9 by federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, will go to Giyak Mishkawzid Shkagmikwe Inc. (GMS) and Taighwenini Technical Services Corporation (TTS), the economic development corporations of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nation, respectively, to purchase two production drills, which will be used in development at Vale’s historic Stobie Mine.
“So we’re looking at 16 drillers and driller helpers to manage these drills, and that’s a wonderful opportunity for our young people,” Nootchtai said during an Oct. 9 funding announcement held at Vale’s Stobie Mine in Sudbury.
“Right now, we’re going through a process to hire individuals so that they’ll be operating these drills as well.”
Stobie Mine had been shuttered since 2017 after 100 years of operation.
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