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CANADIAN INDUSTRY ONLINE - OCTOBER 2014
the signatories to the treaty and is still
committed to its values today.
The management of Fort William
First Nation centres on a shared goal to
make a brighter future for all commu-
nity members. CIO spoke with Michael
Hardy to discuss the First Nation’s
plans for growth.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The mission of the economic de-
velopment department at FWFN is “to
provide programs and services to the
FWFN membership that enhances and
promotes economic opportunities” in
the region. The department’s areas of
focus include business development
support and advisory services, and
the development of employment and
training opportunities.
Hardy says that the key message
FWFN wants to send is that the com-
munity is “open for business.”
One of the most critical elements
of economic growth is industry part-
nership. However, Hardy says, indus-
try needs to “come to the table and
understand that what they can offer
must benefit our First Nation.”
“
We know our own position here
with our labour, land, and equipment.
We have land open for partnership. So
when it comes to working with indus-
try we have to be open about how it
will benefit us.”
FWFN will be following the ebbs
and flows of the provincial economy,
and taking advantage of what industry
opportunities there are for members.
Right now, in the Thunder Bay area,
that is mining. Northwestern Ontario
is set to have a boom in mining, and
FWFN intends to capitalize on that.
“
This mining boom will put us
in a position where we can either play
a role in the mines themselves, or the
sales of services and supplies to those
mines,” Hardy notes. “We have to po-
sition ourselves for businesses here
and plan for what types of services we
can offer. Can we have a road construc-
tion company because the area needs
infrastructure? Can we offer training
opportunities for our First Nations
members in highly skilled trades? We
have to be mindful of the unique eco-
nomic growth opportunities, and put
in place elements to get us ready,” he
continues.
Fort William First Nation has
been working on training programs
