Preparing Aboriginal Communities For Mining Related Business Opportunties

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

TIMMINS, ON, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2013: Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) will host the “3rd Annual NADF Mining Ready Summit” on October 16 & 17. The annual summit will bring together Aboriginal businesses, community leaders, representatives from government and industry, and mining related service providers to learn and share success stories, best practices and lessons learned, and build and strengthen networks.

“With the expected growth in mining activity in the region, particularly in the Ring of Fire development, there isn’t a more appropriate time than now to be discussing the need for building relationships between the mining industry and First Nations. There will be numerous opportunities for business partnerships and the focus of this event is to bring together First Nations and industry to share and learn from one another and to build a mutual understanding of expectations. The focus of the summit is to help First Nations to become mining ready.” says Brian Davey, Executive Director of Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund The one and one-half day summit will feature speakers who will present on real case study examples of successful mining and exploration agreements between First Nations and the mining industry. Other topics include mining industry outlook, transportation to the Ring of Fire, finance, and legal. NADF is pleased to welcome keynote speakers, Mr. Bob Rae, Negotiator, Matawa First Nations Ring of Fire Mining Development (October 16) and Grand Chief Harvey Yesno (October 17).

The 3rd Annual Mining Ready Summit will be hosted by the Days Inn & Conference Centre in Timmins, ON. The City of Timmins is the service centre for regional First Nations and is the hub for the mining and exploration sector, with more than 50 mining operations in the area.

Media are invited to attend and interviews with delegates and NADF representatives will be available upon request.

ABOUT NADF Incorporated in 1984, Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) is a non-profit economic development corporation providing financial assistance (commercial loans, equipment leasing and grants), resource sector support and business counseling services to Aboriginal businesses and entrepreneurs, on and off-reserve, in northern Ontario, including Treaty #9, #3, #5 (Ontario portion), and Robinson-Superior 1850 Treaties. NADF’s goal is to empower northern Ontario’s growing Aboriginal population through business development and entrepreneurship by providing support and expert advice for all their business needs.

Visit www.nadf.org for more information on Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund. For more information on the Mining Ready Summit, visit www.miningready.com.

Media Contact:

Brian Davey
Executive Director, NADF
T: 807-623-5397 ext.17
C: 807-708-2999
E: bdavey@nadf.org