Minago: Charting the Future of Mining Through Indigenous-led Resource Partnerships
Date/Time: Monday, November 3 | (2:45 – 3:45 pm)
Location: Centennial Room
Norway House Cree Nation purchased the Minago Project in November 2024 to ensure that the project would proceed while protecting the environment and ensuring that the people living in the region derive maximum benefits from the project. As the first First Nations owned major critical minerals project in Canada, NHCN leadership hopes that this project will create a roadmap for future projects in Canada. Currently Minago is looking for partners to develop the project within the framework established by the Chief and Council.
Speakers
Larson Anderson, Chief of Norway House Cree Nation
Larson Anderson is the Chief of Norway House Cree Nation, where he was born, grew up and has raised his own family. He has extensive experience in economic, financial and business management. His recent activities include being elected as the Chief of the Norway House Cree Nation, working with the Northern Authority to improve child and family services in the North, and managing the Kinosao Sipi Multiplex to improve economic development in the community of Norway House.
Chief Anderson began his commitment and determination to helping his community when he was elected councillor for Norway House Cree Nation in 1994 to 1998, operated a local business to create employment and economic development and was hired as the manager for the Kinosao Sipi Multiplex. Larson then became interested in pursuing his education at the University of Manitoba, where he successfully completed the Bachelor of Arts Program. His other experiences include health inspector, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Frontier School Division trustee
Larson Anderson shows love and compassion as he comes from a large family of eight sisters and four brothers. He and his wife Lisa live in Norway House and have four daughters, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Jim Rondeau, Director for the Major Project Office in Norway House Cree Nation
Jim Rondeau is currently the director for the Major Project Office in Norway House Cree Nation (NHCN). He also serves as the President of Systematic Design Inc an international award-winning design company and Vice-President of ICMD, an indigenous medical service company.
Previously he served in the Manitoba government as an MLA from 1999-2016 and a Minister from 2004-2013. His ministerial portfolios included Healthy Living, Industry, Economic Development, Science and Technology and Mines. While Minister of Mines, Manitoba was ranked as the best jurisdiction for mining by the Fraser Institute.
He has served as a Board Member for a number of organizations including the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement of Manitoba, Flying Nickel and other.
Rondeau has won a number of awards including the Queens Jubilee Medal, literacy partners lifetime award, Heart and Stroke Canada contribution award and multiple other provincial and national awards.