Marten Falls First Nation (MFFN) Community Access Road
September E-Blast 2024
Current and upcoming activities
Welcome to the Marten Falls First Nation (MFFN) Community Access Road September 2024 E-Blast with updates on current and upcoming activities.
This E-Blast features:
- Release of the Draft EA / IS to Indigenous Communities
- National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
- MFFN in the News
- Fall Field Programs
- Celebrating the Final Route
- Connect with the Team!
Release of the Draft EA / IS to Indigenous Communities
The Draft EA / IS, and supporting documents, will describe how the preferred route was determined and identify how the proposed Community Access Road may affect the social, cultural, economic and natural environment. In the coming months, we will be seeking Indigenous communities’ input on the Draft EA / IS to help us prepare the Final EA / IS (e.g., on specific technical documents, proposed impact management and follow up measures, cumulative effects assessment, EA / IS conclusions, and on confirmation that input was captured appropriately).
A letter has been provided to Indigenous communities outlining the Draft EA / IS, supporting documents and the review process to help ensure they have the capacity and resources to support this review.
If you have any questions, please contact the MFFN CAR Project Team at info@martenfallsacccessroad.ca.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a significant occasion for reflecting on the painful legacy of residential schools endured by Indigenous Peoples across Canada. This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing impacts of this system, which sought to erase Indigenous cultures and identities. The time for reconciliation is now. This day not only symbolizes reconciliation, it symbolizes the importance of land back, revitalizing language and traditions, and honouring treaties. This day is a call to action to all of Canada and showcases how crucial Indigenous sovereignty is. Truth and Reconciliation must carry on day-after-day. For more information regarding Truth and Reconciliation or more information on the specific actions recommended, visit the full document below: Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: 94 Calls to Action
Former residential school survivors can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada
Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention.
Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat (Please use Google Chrome).
MFFN in the News
The federal government has announced a $7 million investment aimed at enhancing the northern Ontario economy, specifically targeting initiatives that support job creation and economic development. This funding will particularly benefit communities like the Matawa First Nations, as it is designed to support infrastructure projects and enhance local capacity. The investment of $300,000 is a non-repayable grant that reflects a commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth in the region, ensuring that Indigenous communities are included in the development process. The funding for this initiative will also support the creation of five economic development corporations and cooperatives in partner with First Nation communities including Marten Falls First Nation, Webequie First Nation, and Neskantaga First Nation.
For more information, please visit the link below:
https://www.timminstoday.com/local-news/7m-from-feds-aimed-at-boosting-northern-economy-9558676
Fall Field Program
The Groundwater and Geochemistry Program is on now and focusses on the testing for minerals, dissolved metals—including mercury—and volatile organic compounds. Field crews are in the area now until October 5, 2024, completing the final groundwater sample collections associated with the Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement (EA / IS).
In addition, geotechnical investigations are being planned to explore potential aggregate sites along the route for the Community Access Road. Following an aerial survey conducted in July, permitting for this investigation is currently in progress, with work anticipated to begin later this fall if approved.
Celebrating the Final Route
Join us as we celebrate the proposed final route of the Community Access Road!
Watch your inboxes for upcoming videos and webinars that will include additional details on the final route, a message from Chief Bruce Achneepineskum and the next steps in the EA / IS process.
Connect with the team!
We are now on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram! Follow us to stay up to date on the Community Access Road.
Please contact us at any time with questions or comments, or to schedule a meeting. Meetings can be arranged in-person in any community, in the Thunder Bay area, or online. We want to hear what you have to say!
Questions or comments? Contact us at 1-800-764-9114 or info@martenfallsaccessroad.ca.
