Message from the Chief
What It Means to Have an Access Road
Marten Falls First Nation (MFFN) is proud to have come this far with a community access road Environmental Assessment (EA). MFFN has completed a number of road studies but none have matched the present access road EA project in scale or potential.
MFFN now embarks on a journey where we look forward to a brighter future because of access to the provincial highway system. We look to a future where MFFN members and youth can begin to feel we have a rightful place in this resource rich country we call Canada.
The access road will offer MFFN the opportunity to grow as a community but also be part of the social and economic fabric of the region and country.
Progress of a community access road will mean the MFFN community can begin to forge partnerships with businesses and governments to grow social and economic development opportunities. MFFN will begin to plan the next steps of exploring business opportunities such as mines, forestry operations and tourism.
Opportunities will mean more training and jobs for youth in the region. Our members in the near-future will both be able to work from their home community and go spend or save their hard-earned money at the nearest urban centres.
The road will allow for the continuation of our people on the land because our people will be able to access the lands and waters at a fraction of the price it is now for transportation.
Presently, many of our members, especially the youth, have migrated to the cities and towns in search of a better life. It only makes sense that they get a chance at a better life right in their own territory. To repatriate our membership and youth; to continue to work and steward the lands, waters and resources as our ancestors did will be meaningful.
Bruce Achneepineskum
Chief Bruce Achneepineskum
on behalf of Marten Falls First Nation Council
