Eabametoong entrepreneurs off to boot camp at Ozhiski outpost

Eabametoong First Nation delivered a specialized tourism development and training program this August for 10 community members who were interested in learning about operating their own hunting and fishing camp outposts.
The five-day training boot camp was held at the Ozhiski outpost which is situated on Eabametoong First Nation and owned and operated by community member Weiben Slipperjack.
The participants were transported by floatplane from Eabametoong First Nation dock to the camp. The training curriculum covered 14 core competencies for operating a remote fly-in outpost. Some of the topics included: site selection, camp constructions, furnishings. water systems, boats, motors, insurance, reservations, packaging and promotions, customer service, safety and law, moose hunts, river trips, and ecotourism.
Lewis Nate, the economic development officer of Eabametoong First Nation, coordinated the project and believes that the success of growing Eabametoong’s tourism industry lies in its ability to attract visitors, offer products and services and provide an exceptional hunting and fishing experience.
“This can only be achieved by building capacity at the community level to establish a network of camp outposts with trained and passionate camp owners,” he said.
Eabametoong Chief Elizabeth Atlookan said that tourism training and enhancing skills in other sectors like mining and entrepreneurship is core to Eabametoong’s strategic plan.
“Investing in our most important asset: our people, is a priority that we take seriously and one that will bring exponential economic growth to our region,” she said.
Support was received from Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment and Training Services and Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund.