Lac Seul enters forestry partnership with Domtar

Lac Seul First Nation continues to develop partnerships in resource development with the recent signing of a co-operation agreement with Domtar Corporation, North America’s largest producer of paper and paper products.
“We’re looking forward to a prosperous relationship,” Chief Clifford Bull said July 29 at the signing with Domtar officials in the community.
Both parties have agreed to work towards a long-term forestry agreement as they examine ways of pursuing areas of mutual economic interest.
“This is an important milestone,” said Rob Booth, northwest Ontario forestlands manager for Domtar.
Chris Angeconeb, lands and resources co-ordinator for Lac Seul, said it’s important for the community to ensure preservation of its traditional territory, but also to explore economic growth.
The working agreement will allow the community to have input on Domtar’s forestry interests in the Wabigoon and Trout Forest.
The areas are not exclusive to Lac Seul’s traditional territory as Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and Wabauskang First Nation are also close by. Angeconeb said the agreement between Domtar and Lac Seul does not exclude other First Nations from negotiating their own agreements.
“We encourage other communities to enter into agreements,” Angeconeb said.
But for Lac Seul, Angeconeb said they want to ensure the community’s best interests are kept in mind while developing the working relationship with Domtar.
Among the community’s priorites, Angeconeb said is the continued maintenance of roads leading to Kejick Bay and Whitefish Bay, two communities on the First Nation. The roads provide easy access to urban centres in the area.
While the forestry industry has been on hard times, especially during the recent economic downturn, Bull is optimistic positive changes are ahead.
“I’ve always had faith the economy would rebound,” he said.
The community is also looking to develop it’s own manufacturing facility that would employ about 40 band members. Bull said they are looking at getting their own wood supply to use at the factory, which would develop value-added wood products.