The Honourable Michael Gravelle, Minister of
Northern Development and Mines, with MNO
representatives at the 2015 PDAC. (L-R) Joel
Henley, MNO KMC President; Marcel Lafrance,
PCMNO Region 3 Councillor; Minister Gravelle;
Nina Henley, MNO KMC Secretary; Juliette
Denis, PCMNO Region 5 Councillor; Theresa
Stenlund, PCMNO Region 1 Councillor; and
Ernie Gatien, PCMNO Region 4 Councillor.
The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is a national association representing the mineral exploration and development industry. The association’s convention is the world’s largest annual gathering of the mineral industry, focusing on exploration, discovery and development of new mines and innovative developments. The 2015 PDAC Convention was held March 1-4 at the Metro-Toronto Convention Centre.
The Métis Nation of Ontario’s (MNO) presence at the PDAC conference built upon the MNO’s mandate to foster new relationships with mining companies operating within the Métis Nation’s traditional harvesting territories. Mineral proponents impacting the lands and waterways traditionally used by MNO’s historic, rights-bearing Métis communities, have the Duty to Consult and Accommodate with the MNO.
“Mineral exploration and development is an important part of Ontario’s economy and MNO’s increased involvement with mineral proponents promises new opportunities for Métis people to benefit from potential education and training programs, as well as employment for Métis citizens and businesses,” stated President Lipinski.
The MNO was well-represented at the conference by Joel Henley, MNO Kenora Métis Council (KMC) President; Nina Henley, MNO KMC Secretary; PCMNO Regional Councillors: Marcel Lafrance, Juliette Denis, Theresa Stenlund and Ernie Gatien.
“We have already begun to see exciting opportunities arise from our relationships with several mineral developers and we look forward to more,” said President Lipinski.