Marten Falls First Nation (MFFN) Community Access Road
September 2022 update
Current and upcoming activities
Welcome to the Marten Falls First Nation (MFFN) Community Access Road September E-Blast with updates on current and upcoming activities.
This E-Blast features:
- Community Access Road Project Honoured with IAP2 Award
- Youth Engagement Program
- Field Study Updates
- Upcoming Field Studies
- Indigenous Blooming Program
- Stay Connected!
IAP2 Award
At this year’s 2022 International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Canada, the MFFN Community Access Road Project received the Core Values Award for Visual Engagement. Chief Bruce Achneepineskum and Project Team Consultant Kathryn Ross were present to receive the award.
Watch our video and learn more about the award.
Youth Engagement Program
The Youth Engagement Program is back this fall! MFFN recognizes the importance and value of engaging youth on the Community Access Road Project. The purpose of our Youth Engagement Program is to honour their participation in decisions that will affect them in the future and acknowledge their unique perspective. We will share information about the Community Access Road, ask youth living inside and outside the community to share their ideas and feedback and lead engaging activities and collaborative sessions.
Field Study Updates
We have two field study updates:
- Crews have begun the Groundwater Clearing and Drilling program. This program, which installs ground water monitoring wells, will continue through October with potential for some work in early November. For details on all clearing and drilling locations, please see the Field Notice.
- The Waterfowl Aerial Surveys were completed on September 9, 2022. The work included the surveys of 12 lakes and two portions of the Ogoki and the Albany Rivers. Low concentrations of waterfowl were observed on the waterbodies and watercourses. Field crews will return to the area in late September to continue surveys.
Check out the related field program notices, watch videos and fill out Discussion Guides.
Upcoming Field Studies
Our field crews are continuing field studies into the fall / winter seasons. Below is a high-level overview of upcoming field study programs and their approximate timelines*.
- Groundwater and Geochemistry Program: Ongoing until November 10, 2022
- Aerial Waterfowl Migration Survey: September 27 – 29, 2022
- Physiography and Terrain Surveys: September 26 – October 8, 2022
- Ungulates Remote Camera Check: October 21 – 28, 2022
- Caribou Mortality Investigation: if needed
*Timelines and programs are approximate and may shift; we will provide updates as required.
If you have any questions, comments or feedback on the planned studies, we would like to hear from you (contact information below).
Indigenous Blooming Program
The MFFN Community Access Road Project Team works closely with AECOM. Did you know that AECOM has a program called Indigenous Blooming Program? It’s a unique mentorship opportunity grounded in two-way learning and knowledge exchange. With a general focus in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Business and Economic Development, the Indigenous Blooming Program offers internships, career awareness and work experience for students interested in pursuing post-secondary education. In spirit, the Indigenous Blooming Program is shaped to help youth reach their full potential through personal and professional support and guidance. For details on the program or how to apply, please visit https://aecom.com/indigenous-engagement/
Stay Connected!
Please contact us at any time with questions or comments, or to schedule a meeting. Meetings can be arranged in-person in any community (adhering to health and safety protocols as required), in the Thunder Bay area, or online. We want to hear what you have to say!
Questions or comments? Contact us at 1-800-764-9114 or info@martenfallsaccessroad.ca.
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MFFNCommunityAccessRoadProject/