Marten Falls First Nation (MFFN) Community Access Road
September 2023 update
Current and upcoming activities
Welcome to the MFFN Community Access Road September 2023 E-Blast, highlighting updates on current and upcoming activities. This E-blast includes:
Field Study Updates
Field programs are taking place to understand the existing conditions of the local environment and the potential effects of the MFFN Community Access Road.
The following activities took place this month:
Fall Groundwater and Geochemistry Program took place from September 18 to 25, 2023.
The Groundwater and Geochemistry Program has been ongoing since 2022. Over 20 well sites are sampled seasonally to monitor groundwater conditions in the area. The groundwater samples are sent for laboratory analysis and are tested for general water chemistry, metals, solids content, nutrients, hydrocarbons, and others, to support and inform the environmental assessment.
Caribou Collaring / Mortality Investigation Program took place September 26, 2023.
Field crews conducted mortality investigations associated with atigwag / caribou collars deployed in the study area in February 2021. The mortality investigation involves determining the cause of death of the animal (e.g., predation, hunter, natural causes) and collecting the collar from the field.
All field crews include an MFFN community member or Field Assistant.
Upcoming field studies:
There are currently no planned field studies for the rest of the year. Caribou mortality investigations and surveys may take place in early 2024. Notification of these activities will be provided once confirmed.
The final results of the programs will be available once all the data is collected and analyzed and will be shared during the Draft Environmental Assessment and Impact Assessment Phase in 2024.
To learn more about field programs and the studies taking place to support the planning of the Community Access Road check out field program notices, valued component videos and past webinars.
*Timelines and programs are approximate and may shift; we will provide updates as required.
Upcoming Engagement Opportunities
Public Information Centre #5
With the next major milestone for the Community Access Road upon us, we are preparing to host an in-person Public Information Centre (PIC #5) to discuss the existing conditions report and route selection. This will be a great opportunity to learn about project updates, meet the Team and share your feedback, ideas and values related to the proposed all-season access road.
Save the dates!
- October 25, 2023, in Thunder Bay, Ontario
- October 26, 2023, in Geraldton, Ontario
Details on the time and location of events will be shared with you shortly.
Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and Interests Forum #2
The planning for Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and Interests (ATRI) Forum #2 is underway and is set to take place this November in Thunder Bay. Watch your inbox for updates!
New Videos! Learn about the studies taking place for the Community Access Road
Have you checked out the MFFN Community Access Road Multimedia Gallery? Here, you will find videos and documents describing what is being studied (also known as 'valued components'), how the study will happen, and why it is important. These studies consider both Indigenous Knowledge, including Anishinabek Traditional Knowledge, and western science.
Newly uploaded videos include:
All videos can be found on our Multimedia page with more to come!
Connect With Us
Visit our website regularly to stay up to date on the latest information and announcements, watch our latest videos, contact us with questions or comments, or to schedule a meeting. Meetings can be arranged in-person in any community, 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.