[Sudbury, ON] — As a follow-up to the legal signing and creation of Aki-eh Dibinwewziwin – an Indigenous-owned partnership between Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Sagamok Anishnawbek, Wahnapitae First Nation and Technica Mining – a gathering was held on Thursday, July 6 to solidify the agreement with a pipe ceremony conducted by Knowledge Keepers from each respective community.
Traditionally, pipe ceremonies are used in negotiations between different Nations to create mutual understanding. During a pipe ceremony, it is always expected that the partners would be truthful, respectful and honour the decisions and agreements that were made during the negotiations. For Aki-eh Dibinwewziwin, traditional ways of knowing, being and doing (including ceremony) have been embedded in their partnership.
“Atikameksheng Anishnawbek recognizes this partnership as a major step forward for our Debendaagziwaad on the path to true sovereignty and independence. The Cooperative we establish now will benefit our people for generations to come by creating high-value careers and lucrative business opportunities for our community. As most of the mining activity in Sudbury takes place on our asserted lands, it is important that Atikameksheng Anishnawbek accepts nothing less than true partnership and I am delighted to say that this agreement is one of mutual respect and honesty.” – Gimaa Craig Nootchtai of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek
Gimaa Angus Toulouse of Sagamok Anishnawbek, “The sharing of pipe and the burning of tobacco is always an important first step to start any endeavor off in a good way. This ceremony honors and respects our cultural and spiritual ways of knowing and doing, allowing us to humbly seek permission to engage in the work ahead. Starting our joint venture off in this good way allows our communities to collectively participate and contribute to the local economy, while ensuring we remain mindful of our important role as stewards and protectors of the land. In this way, all partners acknowledge and commit to respecting the needs of our traditional lands and territories that provide for us today and for future generations.”
Chief Larry Roque of Wahnapitae “Including our traditions and culture in every aspect of the operation of this partnership and its work has been both refreshing and a part of our due diligence as guardians and protectors of this land. Seeing a global company like Technica embrace this concept is a huge step in the direction needed for reconciliation locally and around the world.”
Mario Grossi, CEO of Technica Mining, also expressed his gratitude to be included in such a meaningful partnership together “…this morning’s Pipe Ceremony symbolizes more than a signature on a piece of paper. We humbly asked Creator for guidance as we navigate a new path forward to create opportunities for future generations. Our partnership is founded on debwewin (truth), mutual respect and commitment. We acknowledge that our partnershipworks towards honouring the spirit and intent of the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850 and our commitment to moving forward together in a mutually beneficial way.”
For more information about this partnership, contact Giah Sumalde, Marketing and Communications Specialist at gsumalde@technicamining.com
For Indigenous Job Opportunities, contact Brad Hofford, HR Manager at bhofford@technicamining.com
About Aki-eh Dibinwewziwin:
Aki-eh Dibinwewziwin is a limited partnership formed between the First Nations communities of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Sagamok Anishnawbek, Wahnapitae First Nation and Technica Mining. The partnership promotes sustainable mining practices while respecting Indigenous rights and traditions. Aki-eh Dibinwewziwin is one of Ontario’s largest Indigenous-owned Underground Mine Contracting Partnerships.
About Technica Mining
Founded and headquartered in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, with additional
offices in Timmins, Ontario and Val d’Or, Quebec, Technica Mining is one of Canada’s leading mining and construction companies. Over the past 20 years, Technica has set the new standard in world-class workforce safety and project excellence in underground and open pit development, construction, maintenance and operation.
About Atikameksheng Anishnawbek
Atikameksheng Anishnawbek are descendants of the Ojibway, Algonquin and Odawa Nations. In 1850, Chief Shawenekezhik, on behalf of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek signed the Robinson-Huron Treaty granting the British Crown and their people (Royal Subjects) a right to occupy and share the lands of the Anishnawbek. Atikameksheng Anishnawbek boasts a proud history of sharing the many resources within their reservation lands and their traditional territory, recognizing, and affirming the spirit of the Robinson-Huron Treaty.
The First Nation is located approximately 19 km west of the Greater City of Sudbury. The current land base is 43,747 acres, much of it being a deciduous and coniferous forest, surrounded by eight lakes, with eighteen lakes within its boundaries. Their current population is 1,450 and continues to grow, with a third of the population living within the current reservation boundaries. Atikameksheng Anishnawbek currently has a claim in the Ontario Superior Court to rectify the alienation of approximately 2,670 km2 which was promised to them in the Robinson Huron Treaty.
About Sagamok Anishnawbek
Sagamok Anishnawbek is located on the north shore of Lake Huron. It is a beautiful community whose name means ‘two points joining’. Sagamok’s culture and language is Anishinabek and is made up of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomi tribes. Also known as the Three Fires Peoples, the community of Sagamok is well over 2,000 members. A little over 50% of the membership lives on the reserve, with the remainder living in urban locations. Sagamok is a place of rich stories, legends and history that derive from time immemorial. Once the summer camps of the original peoples who came down from Biscotasing, it is now the permanent home to many of those descendants. Sagamok is an ancestor-based village known for its diversity, prosperity and growth.
About Wahnapitae First Nation
Wahnapitae First Nation (WFN) is a proud Anishinaabe community, located on the shores of Lake Wanapitei in northern Ontario. Its traditional name, Wahnapitaeping, means “place where the water is shaped like a tooth’. Currently, WFN is home to more than 170 residents, with over 700 members scattered around the globe. As it continues to grow, WFN comes together as a vibrant and thriving mix of families, entrepreneurs, and dedicated volunteers who are ready to create a strong and resilient First Nation for current and future generations.
Media Contact:
Giah Sumalde
Technica Mining
gsumalde@technicamining.com
