2025 Year End Message from Chief Bruce Achneepineskum

Boozhoo,

As we close 2025, I want to speak directly to Marten Falls First Nation members, our neighbouring Nations, and everyone who has walked with us on the path toward a safer, stronger and more connected future.

Together this year, we took great strides in advancing the Marten Falls Community Access Road. Most notably, we released the Draft Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement for review—first shared with Indigenous communities on February 18 and then with the public on April 22. We received over 1,900 comments, reflecting the voices of Indigenous peoples and the broader public. Your input is now helping shape the preparation of the Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement.

We also advanced our work on Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and Interests (ATRI) by sharing community-specific Draft ATRI: Impact Assessment reports with neighbouring Indigenous communities. This ongoing engagement helps support Indigenous rights and interests and enables us to integrate Indigenous Knowledge throughout the assessment process. Our Indigenous Knowledge program also continued to grow this past year with valuable information received from several communities, further shaping the Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Assessment.

In February, we hosted Marten Falls First Nation members in Thunder Bay and Marten Falls for a first look at the Draft Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement. We shared a meal, connected with one another, and spoke with the Community Access Road Project Team. In May, we welcomed the public and Indigenous peoples at Public Information Centre #6 in Thunder Bay and Geraldton to continue the conversation and gather feedback. The Project Team also participated in the Three Road Projects Gathering and Expo, meeting individually with neighbouring Nations to address comments and feedback on the Draft Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement.

These milestones bring us closer to realizing our vision of reliable, year round access—improving safety, reducing costs for essential goods, and opening opportunities in health, education and the local economy, all while respecting our lands, culture and relationships. The Marten Falls Community Access Road is more than infrastructure; it is a commitment to the well‑being of our members today and for generations to come.

On February 20, 2026, we will submit the Final Environmental Assessment / Impact Statement for review. I encourage everyone to stay involved, share your perspectives and help us keep building a future where families can travel safely, our youth can thrive and our community continues to build in all areas in strength and growth!

On behalf of Marten Falls Chief and Council,
Miigwetch and Happy Holidays!
Chief Bruce Achneepineskum
Marten Falls First Nation