Ginoogaming Wood Harvesting Ops Grow – Aggreement In Place To Supply AV Birla Group
Ginoogaming First Nation
Chief Celia Echum looking to maximize opportunities from the Kenogami Forest Unit
LONGLAC, ON – In October of 2012, Ginoogaming First Nation signed an agreement with AV Birla Terrace Bay to sell pulpwood to their mill from areas that are the band’s traditional territory on the Kenogami Forest.
In late 2012, the Ministry of Natural Resources issued Forest Resource Licence to Nedaakiimenaan Inc., a newly formed entity of Aroland, Constance Lake, Ginoogaming and Long Lake #58 First Nation. With Nedaakiimenaan, the First Nations are building capacity in the Forest Management of the Kenogami Unit. This presented an opportunity for Ginoogaming to benefit economically from the business side of the forestry sector.
Ginoogaming First Nation, located near the town of Longlac in Northwestern Ontario, started Giizhagaakwe Development Corporation (GDC) to supply the demand for fibre and harvest timber for delivery to the Terrace Bay pulp mill that restarted its operations last fall. An overlapping harvest licence was obtained from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and harvesting operations commenced in December.GDC’s goals are to generate revenue for the First Nation, create employment opportunities and buildcapacity in the forestry business. To date, Ginoogaming workers have taken part in the cut layout, the trucking portion of the operation and water crossing identification.
“Through Giizhagaakwe Development Corporation and our harvesting contractor, we delivered 26,000 cubic meters of wood earlier this year. Due to this success, we have obtained a second overlapping licence and have increased our delivery volume to 50,000 cubic meters through March 31, 2014,” stated Chief Celia Echum of Ginoogaming First Nation.
“The continuation of the harvesting operation will not only provide revenue but also serve as a platform for the training of future foremen, layout personnel and heavy equipment operators. The opportunities are limitless, and more we get involved, the more self-reliant and empowered our First Nation becomes,” added Chief Echum.
Ginoogaming is committed to maximizing business and procurement opportunities and are exploring the
potential ownership of woodland harvesting equipment and sawmill operations.
About Ginoogaming First Nation
Ginoogaming First Nation (formerly the Long Lake 77 First Nation) is a small Anishnawbem (Ojibway) First Nation located on the northern shore of Long Lake, and 1 km from the community of Longlac, Ontario. Ginoogaming has a total registered population of 773 people, of which 168 are residing on the First Nation reserve territory.
