b'Q&ATHE IMPORTANCE OF COLLABORATIONIndigenous partnerships play a critical role in a Jordan Hatton, Director of Economic successful shared future for Canada Development, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek.B ingwi NeyaashiJordan Hatton: Now more thanWhereas companies used to have Anishinaabek/Sand Pointever, non-Indigenous businessesto work with communities, and First Nation (BNA) is aare realizing the important role thatmay have done so reluctantly, formerly displaced FirstFirst Nations play in the successcompanies are now wanting to Nation developing itsof their business or industry. Takework with communities. They are reserve lands on the southeastmining and exploration companies,realizing that having that proac-shores of Lake Nipigon. As Directorfor exampleover the past severaltive support and engagement is of Economic Development, Jordanyears, following many victories athelpful to their bottom lineand Hatton is responsible for on-reservethe Supreme Court with respectis [often] what their shareholders infrastructure and housing devel- to First Nation consultation andare demanding. This is leading to opments, on-reserve businessesaccommodation, these compa- a bright and productive future for including the sawmill operation,nies were realizing that the days ofIndigenous/non-Indigenous part-off-reserve forestry and miningignoring Indigenous communitiesnerships going forward.agreements and initiatives, off-re- were over and they had to come to serve consultation matters, multi- the table for discussions, includingFM: What role do organizations First Nation projects and initiativesones related to financial commit- like yours play in empowering and sits on multiple commu- ments to communities. However,Indigenous economies? What nityboards. recently, there has been a notice- other support or changes (outside able, positive shift in the attitudesof your organization) are required Forward Magazine spoke withof these companies. Many compa- to make progress?Hatton to explore how economicnies are realizing that First Nation partnerships between Indigenoussupport for their developments is inJH: BNA is a very progressive First communities and non-Indigenousfact a critical element whose impor- Nation, always willing to look at businesses can fuel a new andtance cannot be understated. Thisways to better its community and support could come in several ways:membership. We therefore work powerful Canadian economy that issupport for permitting, positivewith our neighbouring First Nations equal for all. media coverage, local contractingto move in this similar direction and, Forward Magazine: What do youand employment opportunitieswherever possible, work with them that prevent the need to ship inon agreements and processes that find most interesting or surprisingoutside products and labour, locallead to positive arrangements and about the future of economicknowledge regarding importantpartnerships with both local indus-partnerships between Indigenousenvironmental or economic matterstries and businesses. This leads to and non-Indigenous businesses/ for the companiesthe list goes onpositive developments within all organizations? and on. of our First Nations with respect to 24 FORWARD MAGAZINE | VOLUME 1 2022'