Biigtigong Nishnaabeg – Biigtigong Nishnaabeg hosted celebrations for the signing of the Community Benefits Agreement related to the Marathon Palladium Project, a proposed palladium mine located 10 kilometres from Marathon, Ontario and 9.3 km upstream from Biigtigong Nishnaabeg territory along the banks of the culturally important Biigtigig Zibi. The agreement is a partnership between the First Nation and the proponent of the mine, Generation PGM Inc.
The Marathon Palladium Project was approved in November 2022 and will bring new and significant economic opportunities to Biigtigong Nishnaabeg. The Community Benefits Agreement will ensure economic, social and cultural benefits for the First Nation from the proposed palladium mine. The mine is expected to create 100 jobs for Biigtigong Nishnaabeg community members and generate revenue for companies owned and operated by the First Nation.
Joining the celebrations were Chief Duncan Michano of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg and Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada. As part of these celebrations, Chief Michano and Minister Hajdu also announced funding for a new Cultural Centre that will be built on community-owned lands. For this project, the federal government will invest $4.1 million, of which $3.6 million will come from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, and $500,000 will come from Indigenous Services Canada.
The community will design the centre, helping to revitalize culture, provide land-based and traditional education, and facilitate healing and wellness through reconnection with the land. The centre will focus on intergenerational knowledge sharing, and its programming will be designed to ensure the centre is a safe space for vulnerable and at-risk individuals. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2023.
“The Cultural Centre will provide our First Nation members the opportunity to gather within the pristine lands of our territory. Our goal is to maintain the land’s natural solitude and beauty while offering a unique space where our members can gather for learning, programming and healing. We are excited about the prospects this project offers today and into the future.” – Chief Duncan Michano, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg