Province’s Indigenous mining, mineral exploration sector gets federal boost

New federal funding has arrived to train Indigenous citizens on mining and mineral exploration.

The Manitoba Métis Federation and Mosakahiken Cree Nation will receive the bulk of roughly $540,000 that Ottawa announced on Friday.

Some $99,000 will funnel to the Thompson Regional Airport Authority to expand its winter testing capacity.

“In Manitoba, it’s absolutely critical,” Jack Park, MMF energy and infrastructure minister, said of the mining industry. “That’s why we want to get our youth interested.”

Today marks launch day of the MMF’s Digging Deeper program, which aims to draw youth to mining and mineral exploration.

It’s part of roughly $300,000 the MMF will get — over two years — to train 150 people. Citizens ages 14 through 29 will learn to search for, identify and dig for minerals. Elders will teach youth how to live on the land, Park said.

“We’re a land-based people,” he said, adding he hopes the initiative shows government an Indigenous-led way of mining and exploration and proves the need for federal action to clean up “this mess that’s been left behind by mines.”

Training will begin in Winnipeg and branch throughout the province, Park said.

Mosakahiken Cree Nation expects to train 28 people with the $141,000 it’s receiving. The money is also slated to create three jobs and maintain two existing positions. Two jobs are expected to come with the MMF’s funding.

Chief Reuben Grey has an eye on training locals to, in part, start a Mosakahiken-owned drilling company. Three drilling firms are on site, roughly 700 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

Trained Mosakhiken members might travel to Flin Flon or Snow Lake for mining operations, Grey said. The First Nation signed an exploration agreement with Hudbay Minerals earlier this year. Hudbay has hired locals following training.

“Our youth, they’re lost right now,” Grey said. “With these monies, we can help (with employment), so we can really train.”

The Thompson Regional Airport Authority will spend its funding on Area 55, an advanced cold research facility it oversees. Drones and robotics will be included in testing, a government of Canada news release reads.

“Our government is really committed to strengthening Canada,” said Ginette Lavack, MP for St. Boniface–St. Vital. “We want to do that in partnership.”

Ottawa’s Major Projects Office is reviewing mining- and energy-related projects across the country. Federal leaders have touted pushing a critical minerals strategy.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com