MNO representatives at the 2013 PDAC (left to right) Front row: Marlene Davidson,
President of the MNO Atikokan and Area Métis Council; Juliette Denis, PCMNO Region 5
Councillor; the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Ontario Minister of Northern Developments
and Mines; Gary Lipinski, President of MNO; Theresa Stenlund, PCMNO Region 1
Councillor; Back row: Marc Laurin, President of MNO North Bay Métis Council; Cam
Burgess, PCMNO Region 2 Councillor; Nelson Montreauil, President of MNO Mattawa
Métis Council; Ernie Gatien, PCMNO Region 4 Councillor; Nina Henley, Secretary-
Treasurer for the MNO Kenora Métis Council
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 2013 PDAC Convention was held March 3-6 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 President Gary Lipinski; Marlene Davidson, President of the MNO Atikokan and Area Métis Council; Nelson Montreauil, President of MNO Mattawa Métis Council; Marc Laurin, President of MNO North Bay Métis Council; Nina Henley, Secretary-Treasurer for the MNO Kenora Métis Council; Regional Councillors Juliette Denis, Theresa Stenlund, Cameron Burgess, Ernie Gatien among other MNO representatives.
The conference featured an MNO information booth which was visited by hundreds of government representatives and members of the mineral exploration and development industry. MNO staff distributed information, answered questions about Métis rights and provided guidance on the process by which government and proponents need to consult with the rights-bearing Métis communities across the Métis homeland of Ontario.
Amongst notable visitors, MNO President Gary Lipinski and MNO representatives had the opportunity to meet with Premier Kathleen Wynne; David de Launary, Assistant Deputy Minister responsible for the Ring of Fire Secretariat; Lori Churchill, Community Capacity and Economic Development Senior Policy Advisor for the Right of Fire Secretariat; and the Hon. Michael Gravelle, Ontario Minister of Northern Development and Mines.
“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.