Contact:
Clara Lauziere, General Manager NSFC
705.864.4443
or
Colin Lachance, NSRCF Secretariat
819.360.6725

NORTHEAST SUPERIOR REGIONAL CHIEFS AND MAYORS 

CELEBRATE LANDMARK AWARDS GALA

CHAPLEAU, ON:  The Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs’ Forum and the Northeast Superior Forest Community took the time on November 10, 2009 to recognize the accomplishments of both organizations over the past several years.  At a Gala affair at the Wawa Community Centre, the leaders of this region celebrated the beginning of a relationship of working in partnership to develop new economic opportunity in our region.

Mayor Earle Freeborn of Chapleau, and President of the Northeast Superior Forest Community told those in attendance “This is a day for celebration.  We have worked hard to strengthen our relationships with our First Nation Partners and we have made great progress.  Economic hardship in the Northeast Superior region has been increasing, and there is a need to develop a new strategy.  Coming here, together,  today,  shows the willingness of all of us here to work together.  We must speak with one voice for the residents of this region, for all the residents in our region.”

Chief Keith Corston,  of Chapleau Cree First Nation, and Chairman of the Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs’ Forum reinforced Mayor Freeborn’s  position and expressed confidence that by working together we can find a way to bring  greater economic wealth to the region, rebuild the ecological integrity of the land as well as resolve outstanding Aboriginal issues all at the same time.  He added that  the other NSRCF Chiefs are looking forward to presenting a draft partnership model to their respective communities in the near future.                   

Both organizations handed out awards of recognition for the hard work and perseverance of some specific individuals.  The Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs’ Forum (NSRCF) recognized Gilles Brunet of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada’s Sudbury office for his support and assistance to the NSRCF.  They also recognized the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry’s Denis Rochon for his assistance in making the NSRCF a resounding success.

The Northeast Superior Forest Community handed out a Regional Entrepreneurship Award to Trevor Laing of Level Plains in Wawa.  The Blueberry Plantation being undertaken by Level Plains is the first of its kind in our region and is a testament to what hard work and determination can lead to.

For more information contact:

Chief Keith Corston – Chairman NSRCF – 705.864.0784

Earle Freeborn – President NSFC -  705.920.9234