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Update on Project Activities

Message from the Chief and Council regarding various projectsNow that the holiday season is behind us and we have entered a new year, the Council believes that it is time to provide the membership with an update on activ-ities of Council with respect to a number of the projects. Council has spent much time working on behalf of members to make these projects become a reality. Our main objective with all of these projects is to make Muskowekwan First Nation self-sufficient, and to create employment and business opportunities for members so that MFN can become a full participant in the economy of Saskatchewan.

The members of Council are fully com-mitted to working diligently on behalf of members to achieve these goals. Indi-vidually all of Council has been involved in attempting to make these projects a reality.

The most important project is the Pro-posed Potash Mine which involves the Muskowekwan Resources Limited and our Partner Encanto Potash. The potash resource is located wholly on our Treaty Land and this project will not impact the Treaty Rights of our members.

As members know, on April 15, 2014, members voted overwhelmingly in favour of proceeding with this project when they voted in favour on six ballot questions in what was called the Land Designation Vote. Since that time, progress has been made.

During the information meetings held prior to the Designation Vote, members voiced concerns that they wanted to en-sure the protection of the environment and raised their apprehensions about the tailings area. Since the estimated life of the Proposed Potash Mine would be from 50 to 70 years and the life of the tailings management area would between 99 and 400 years, it is necessary to locate the tail-ing management area off-reserve.

Accordingly the Council has been in dis-cussions with local rural municipalities re-garding finding a suitable location for the tailings management area. The Proposed Potash Mine would operate as a solution mine which requires water to extract the mineral. The Council has had discussions with the agencies responsible for water in the province to determine how the pro-ject can access water.

More has been on-going with respect to producing regulations for the develop-ment of a commercial mine on-reserve. This work has been occurring under the First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act known as FNCIDA. The

legislation closes the regulatory gap on-reserves and allows commercial and industrial projects to proceed. The adop-tion of the regulations on-reserve will be compatible with projects off-reserve.

Council has been meeting and discussing the Proposed Potash Mine with officials of our partner Encanto Potash. As every-one knows the last few months have been hard on corporations involved in resource extraction whether it is oil, gas, potash, or uranium as the demand for the prod-ucts has decreased and accordingly the price. Nonetheless, our partner Encanto continues to attempt to finalize a con-tract with a buyer located in India who would purchase the product mined on Muskowekwan lands for 15 years.

Other activities on the Proposed Potash Mine is completing the final phases of the environmental assessment and talking to various agencies who would be involved in developing and delivering training re-sources.

In this newsletter is information on the other projects that Council have been busy working on such as the partnership with Canada North Camps, and our dis-cussions with Hugh Munro Construction Limited.

One project that has much potential and that the Council is excited about is the Port Regina Project. The Council believes this project could be one that creates both wealth for MFN and job opportunities for members. Please see the back page of this newsletter for more information on this project.

One other activity that the Council is proud of is the creation of a Muskowek-wan Urban Office in the City of Regina.

All members are encouraged to drop in to this office and meet the staff working there.

March will see a Chief and Council elec-tion taking place and there is information in this newsletter regarding the up-com-ing election. The Council encourages all members to exercise their democratic right and cast their ballot in the upcom-ing election.

Members of Council encourage the members to attend sessions providing information on those running for Chief and Council and ask questions of those running for a position on Council.

In closing Council encourages members who have questions to ask members of Council so that they can become more informed about the activities of Chief and Council.

Sincerely

Chief Reginald Bellerose

A publication of the Muskowekwan First Nation January 2015

InsideMessage from Encanto........................................2

Project Milestones .................................................2

MFN and Canada North Camps Partnership ..................................2

MFN signs deal with Winnipeg Construction Firm .................................................3

News about the Port Regina Project .............3

MFN Urban Office operating in Regina ........4

MFN election nears ...............................................4

For further information .......................................4

Muskowekwan Chief and Council: Sitting (left to right) Councillor Julius Manitopyes and Chief Reginald Bellerose. Standing (left to right) Councillors Ernest Moise, Brad Hunter, Alvin Campeau, Calvin Wolfe, Jamie Wolfe, Leon Wolfe Jr., and Albert Pinacie Jr.

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MFN and Canada North Camps PartnershipDuring the past year, the Chief and Coun-cil of the Muskowekwan First Nation have been very busy meeting and talking to other business leaders from various types of business to explore all potential op-portunities for the First Nation, especially business opportunities that can result in joint partnerships and ventures. The MFN leaders are particularly interested in op-portunities that can create job opportu-nities for members of the First Nation and where skill development and upgrading is a key component of such a partnership or venture.

Last fall one of those discussions led to reaching an agreement in the form of a 50-50 percent equal partnership. The Muskowekwan First Nation (MFN) and Canada North Camps (CNC) signed an agreement to build work camps in Sas-katchewan that would provide camp and catering service to industry building heavy construction projects. The camps could be built on lands of the MFN and beyond.

Such an agreement was of interest to the Muskowekwan leadership as they have a

partnership with Encanto to build a pot-ash on-reserve land of the Muskowekwan First Nation.

Canada North Camps has operated open camps throughout Alberta for a number of years servicing industry. As well, Can-ada North Camps also operates contract camps for oil field and government agen-cies. Accommodation and food services along with other services are provided at the camps by Canada North Camps.

Chief Reginald Bellerose and his council are excited about this camp and catering partnership, as it is the start of a mutu-ally beneficial business collaboration(s) between MFN and the McCracken family, owners of Canada North Camps.

With the signing of this partnership Muskowekwan First Nation will position itself to take full advantage of the eco-nomic opportunities that are emerging in Saskatchewan such as the construction of potash mines and the building of facilities related to industry, said Chief Bellerose. “This agreement has the potential to cre-ate job opportunities for our members

and could also create opportunities for members who are entrepreneurs. The ability to determine and control our own economy through economic sovereignty is part of exercising our treaty and inher-ent rights as Indigenous Nations,” says Chief Bellerose.

Paul McCracken, President of Canada North Camps believes in equitable and ethical 50 - 50 Indigenous business part-nerships, and encourages other compa-nies to work with Indigenous peoples in the same manner, stating, “We are work-ing on their lands; they deserve to profit equitably and have inclusion in the busi-ness partnership”.

Mr. McCracken a former teacher, turned business man, believes that what makes CNC Indigenous business partnerships unique is their mutually collaborative approach to contribute meaningfully to community development initiatives. CNC recently won an Aboriginal Best Practice Business award in the province of Alberta for their work with Indigenous Nations.

Message from EncantoDear Members of the Muskowekwan First Nation:

On Tuesday, April 15, 2014 the voters of the Muskowekwan First Nation (MFN) overwhelming-ly supported a surface designation authorizing the leasing and future development of its reserve lands and pre-reserve lands for the construction of a potash solution mine.

During the ensuing nine month interval the En-canto Potash Board Chairman and Directors have been working diligently with potential investors to resource the $3 billion project. This is no easy feat for an exploration company at a time when the potash sector is experiencing a downturn in market prices coupled with an aggressive com-petitive environment, however, we continue to believe that this project will succeed.

During this period Chief Bellerose, the MFN elect-ed Council and Muskowekwan Resources Limited have been working to ensure many key elements that are needed for the project to proceed are fa-cilitated. These include the tailings management issue, establishing an environmental regulatory regime, securing water for the mine and looking to leverage new business opportunities for the community, jobs for its membership and growth for the local economy.

It remains our mutual vision to realize and im-prove the lives and livelihood of the Muskowek-wan men, women, and children for generations to come. Encanto Potash Corporation through its joint venture management entity of First Potash Ventures is committed to enhancing its efforts to build a joint venture potash solution mine on Muskowekwan reserve lands and most impor-tantly, to sustain an enduring relationship with you the people.

We are deeply appreciative of your past support and reiterate our thanks for all of the good will

you have expressed at the polls and through-out our many consultations during the past five years. The potential economic returns to the community, region, and province are significant and will position the Muskowekwan First Nation as future business leaders in Saskatchewan and within Canada.

We ask that you continue to provide support to your leadership and to our organization as we continue the necessary work to secure the financing and regulatory processes.

Project MilestonesThe following are major milestones with respect to the project to develop the potash resource on Muskowekwan First Nation reserve lands:

2009: Muskowekwan First Nation (MFN) and En-canto Resources Ltd. (Encanto) announce that they will partner in exploring for potash at MFN, seismic studies begin;

2010: Joint Venture Agreement signed between MFN and Encanto;

2011: Preliminary Economic Assessment done, drilling begins for delineation of potash resourc-es on Treaty Land Entitlement lands;

2012: Successful sub-surface minerals designa-tion vote; Novopro Projects Inc. hired to com-plete pre-feasibility study, Stantec Consulting Ltd. hired to complete Environmental Assess-ment (EA);

2013: Pre-feasibility study complete, bankable feasibility study begins; Conditional sub-surface lease; MFN is accepted into the First Nation Com-mercial and Industrial Development Act (FNCIDA)

2014: Successful surface designation vote; FNCI-DA work continues; draft surface lease.

James WalchuckPresident and Chief

Executive OfficerEncanto Potash Corp.

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MFN signs deal with Winnipeg Construction Firm The Muskowekwan First Nation (MFN) is always trying to broaden its economic opportunities by signing agreements that will lead to self-sufficiency and ad-vantages to move forward.

The MFN and a leader in the heavy con-struction industry, Hugh Munro Con-struction Ltd of Winnipeg have signed a Joint Venture Agreement in late 2014.

Hugh Munro has been in existence for more than 50 years and has worked in Manitoba, northwestern Ontario, and Saskatchewan. The business specializes in aggregate production, earthmoving, fibre optic cable installation, rockworks, and site specific works.

The firm has worked with many Abo-riginal groups over the years including First Nations, Metis Associations, and Tribal Councils. The philosophy of the construction firm is to provide our Ab-original partners with true ownership in the construction opportunities that

we participate with in their regions. The commitment of Hugh Munro Construc-tion (HMC) is to maximize Aboriginal ownership share in a project through uti-lization of labour, equipment and local resources on a priority basis. The role of Hugh Munro is to supplement what is needed to successfully complete the work.

Hugh Munro Construction offers First Nations mutually beneficial business op-portunities on negotiated contracts. The first priority for HMC is to guarantee the First Nation a profit regardless of project outcome on the negotiated work. The second priority for HMC is to work with First Nations on capacity building and knowledge transfer through either class-room and/or hands-on training for posi-tions such as foremen, project managers, safety operators, speciality labour, and superintendents. HMC uses a business model of priority hiring for the workforce

of the First Nation, equipment, and local materials where they are available.

Owing a wide range of heavy equipment, the HMC fleet has a wide range of heavy equipment such as dozers, end and belly dump trailers, excavators, graders, loaders, mobile crushing equipment with cones and screens, rock drills, rock trucks, scrapers, and tandems.

Over the next year, the MFN Chief and Council will be considering how they can use their partnership with Hugh Munro Construction to move ahead and utilize this partnership and create economic and employment opportunities for the First Nation and its members.

News about the Port Regina ProjectThe economic development arm of the Muskowekwan First Nation (MFN), Muskowekwan Business Development Company, is involved in an exciting project regarding the development of land owned by MFN on the east side of Regina. The land in question amounts to two parcels com-posed of 64.7 hectares (160 acres) held in fee simple and 129.9 hectares (320 acres) of reserve lands. The land is located south of the TransCanada Highway and directly east of Tower Road. Regina’s CTV station is located north of the TransCanada Highway and the MFN land is south of the TransCan-ada Highway. The MFN lands are east of the proposed new southeast component of the new By-Pass.

Known as the Port Regina Project, the project is a pending partnership between the Muskowekwan Business Development Company and KF Transrail Corp. The part-nership proposes to develop an Industrial Park on two quarter sections of Designated Treaty Lands owned by Muskowekwan on the east side of Regina.

The partners consist of Pinnacle Industrial Services is owned by HTC Purenergy which is part of larger family of companies under the same executive management that in-cludes the KF Group of Companies and KF Transrail Corp. The KF Group of Companies also includes KF Farms which has the special distinction of being the farm representing North America at the World’s Fair in being held in Milan Italy in 2015. The theme of the 2015 World’s Fair is Feeding the World.

A result of the relationship was that talks began between Muskowekwan Business Development Company and KF Transrail to develop the Muskowekwan lands into a Rail Yard industrial Park. The objective for Muskowekwan’s involved is to provide

a long-term multi-generational revenue source for the First Nation.

The proposed partnership will see the newly developed land to be leased out by the part-nership. Presently the partner KF Transrail Corp, on behalf of Port Regina, is talking to a number of major corporations who are inter-

ested in leasing space on the Muskowekwan lands.

The land that Muskowekwan First Nation owns on the east side of Regina is strategi-cally located and will be of interest to com-panies that either receive or ship products as

Land Use Concept Port Regina Project

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MFN election nearsThe Muskowekwan First Nation elects its Chief and Councillors under the Indian Act and according to the Indian Act elections must be held every two years. This is an election year for Muskowekwan and the date for the election has been set for March 30, 2015.

Eligible voters will cast for the position of Chief and eight Councillors. The polling station will be located at the Muskowekwan

School located on-reserve just off Saskatch-ewan Highway 15.

Nominations for the position of Chief and Councillor will be held on Monday, Feb. 16 at the Muskowekwan School from 9 am to noon. Members are encouraged to attend the nomination meeting.

The electoral officer is Gordon Alger. Mem-bers can vote either in person or by mail. To receive a mail-in ballot, please forward the following information to Gordon Alger via fax at (306) 236-6319. The fax should list:

• your name: first, middle and last;

• your status number;

• mailing address including the postal code; and

• a statement stating that you are a mem-ber of Muskowekwan First Nation and that you wish to vote in the upcoming election.

The Chief and Council encourage all mem-bers to participate in the upcoming elec-tion by running for office or voting.

For further informationIf you need further information on the articles contained in this newsletter or for information on any other subject that per-tains to Muskowekwan First Nation, please contact:

Muskowekwan First Nation Box 249 LESTOCK SK S0A 2G0 Phone: (306) 274-2061 Fax: (306) 274-2110

Or, if you have questions on the Proposed Potash Mine, please contact:

Holly Geddes Communications Officer Muskowekwan First Nation Email: raphaelholly@yahoo.ca

Phone: Muskowekwan Resources Office (306) 242-5712

Phone: Muskowekwan First Nation (306) 274-2061

MFN Urban Office operating in ReginaThe Muskowekwan First Nation opened an Urban Office in Regina last year. The purpose of the Urban Office is to provide certain services to Muskowekwan mem-bers living in the Regina area.

The office is staffed by Patricia Schuster. The Urban Office operates a Youth Pro-gram twice a month so youth can par-ticipate in activities such as crafts, movie nights and a recreation night. Another program offered is the Elders Program where Elders attend and tell oral stories, participate in the residential school survi-vor initiative and can have healthy mani-cures and pedicures.

Other services provided by the Muskowek-wan Urban Office include registration for Status Cards and providing information on Status Cards. A Status Card is an iden-tity document issued by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, It is formally known as the Certificate of Indi-an Status. The official record identifying all Status Indians in Canada is called the Indian Register. If a person is registered as a Status Indian they are eligible for

entitlements, programs, and services ad-ministered by federal agencies, provincial governments and other private sector program and service providers.

The Urban Office provides student sup-port for Muskowekwan members attend-ing Post-Secondary facilities.

The Muskowekwan First Nation has a reg-istered population of 1,802 members as

of December 31, 2014 according to Abo-riginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. Of this total there are 474 mem-bers living on the Muskowekwan Reserve and 1,265 living off-reserve and 63 living on other reserves.

The office is located at 4001 3rd Avenue North S4R 0W8 in Regina and the phone number is (306) 522-7494 extension 218.

© Muskowekwan First Nation

it located quite close to Highway 1 East and the proposed southeast bypass linking north, west, south and east Regina. The location is also near the main lines for Canadian Pacific and Canadian National. In the modern world of business, closeness to both highways and rail lines is seen as a major advantage in the global business world. The closeness to a transportation infrastructure can increase competiveness and reduce shipping costs.

The Muskowekwan lands could be utilized by the Stewart Southern Railroad which is a

short-line railroad moving oil and agricultur-al products from southeast Saskatchewan. Other potential users are other business in fast growing East Regina Industrial Corridor and the three mining projects being devel-oped in areas southeast of Regina.

The Port Regina Project and the partners in-volved will have opportunities to invest in some businesses that will be leasing space within the Park. An example of such a pro-ject would be the repair and refurbishment of rail cars and then the leasing of such rail cars to firms requiring them. The repair and refurbishment of rail cars has the potential

to have long-term economic benefits for the MFN and its members by developing work skills of MFN members and creating good paying and skilled jobs for members.

The Port Regina Project is a breath-taking new project for Muskowekwan that has un-limited potential to grow and create wealth for Muskowekwan. This project will be a long-term and on-going economic develop-ment project for Muskowekwan First Nation for many years in the future. The potential growth for this project is unlimited and as de-velopments occur, members will be informed about these developments.

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Upcoming EventsFeb. 16 deadline for nominations for MFN Chief and Council election

Feb. 24 and 25 Band Staff Training at MFN (lateral violence and harmony in the work-place)

March 9 Job Skills Training in Saskatoon (see posters in MFN administration office)

March 30 Election for MFN Chief and Council

April 7 Drivers Training at MFN (see Vanessa Wolfe-Poorman for details)

Muskowekwan Urban Office: The Gathering Place at 4001 3rd Avenue North in Regina is the location of the Muskowekwan Urban Office which is open daily from 830 am to 430 pm and closed for lunch from 12 to 1 pm.