Mines (Regulatory)
Manitoba Minerals Guideline
March, 2000
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Manitoba government initiatives consistent with the Guideline objectives include
- a Prospector Training Program developed in collaboration with the University College of the North (UCN), the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the federal government and the minerals sector and delivered through UCN in The Pas to help meet the demand for training in the industry,
- Aboriginal Mining Workshops to increase awareness about the business of exploration and mining in Manitoba, potential opportunities for community economic development and to increase Aboriginal participation in the industry,
- Community Open Forums to increase awareness about the business of exploration and mining and the industry’s potential opportunities for community economic development, and
- the Trilateral Resource Access Committee: an agreement between the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the Province of Manitoba and the Government of Canada to enhance the participation of First Nations’ people in opportunities relating to natural resources.
Background
In May 1998, a process was initiated by the Province to bring together representatives of First Nations, Metis Nation, Northern Communities and the Manitoba Minerals Industry to begin a relationship building process. The purpose of this process continues to be to strengthen the links between parties, learn about common aspirations, cultural values and communication needs, and to create a climate for mutually beneficial opportunities related to the building of a strong minerals industry* within Manitoba. The document is a guide to facilitate relationship building between those involved in, or affected by minerals activity within the province. The document is divided into three sections entitled Mission Statement (page 2), Goals and Objectives (pages 2-6) and Recommended Actions (pages 6-8).
(*minerals does not include oil and gas)
These guiding principles were developed by representatives from the following organizations with the support of Aboriginal community Elders:
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines (now Manitoba Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources)
Manitoba Prospectors and Developers Association
Manitoba Heavy Construction Association
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak
Manitoba Métis Federation
Mining Association of Manitoba
Northern Association of Community Councils
Manitoba-Saskatchewan Prospectors and Developers Association
Aboriginal Peoples and Mining
Manitoba has been in the mining business for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Aboriginal people who settled in Manitoba used to quarry red ochre/hematite from the Red Cliff area on what is now called Black Island. This deposit became a valuable resource for many tribal rituals, as the red rock was crushed to make a pigment used in body decoration and rock paintings.