New online tools support First Nations participation in critical minerals conversations
Unceded Mi’kma’ki Territory, New Brunswick – The North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council (NSMTC) has launched the New Brunswick Critical Minerals StoryMap and Data Viewer, two new tools that put critical minerals information in the hands of Mi’kmaq community members. The tools are designed to build a shared baseline of knowledge about critical minerals activity in New Brunswick and support informed conversations with NSMTC Member Nations about potential developments.
Building a knowledge baseline
The StoryMap and Data Viewer will help users learn about mining activity, potential project sites, risks, opportunities, and the mine life cycle in New Brunswick. Together, they give Mi’kmaq community members a clearer view of what is happening, where it is happening, and which potential project sites may warrant closer attention.
The StoryMap explores topics such as the meaning of the term “critical minerals”, the mining industry, government interest and investment, regulatory requirements, and what participation in the industry can involve. The Data Viewer lets users explore publicly available GIS data related to critical minerals and mining activity in New Brunswick.
Part of a broader critical minerals study
The tools were developed as part of the NSMTC Critical Minerals Assessment and Feasibility Study, a two-year project funded by Natural Resources Canada’s Indigenous Natural Resources Partnership program and delivered with the support of Suslop Inc., Strum Consulting, and ICE Indigenous Community Engagement.
The study is gathering information on potential critical minerals activity in New Brunswick. The goal of the project is to build a shared understanding of the mining industry so NSMTC Member Nations can consider if and how they may want to take part in the development of critical minerals projects.
Quotes
“Everything we do begins with our communities. Critical minerals are part of a much bigger conversation happening in New Brunswick, across Canada, and around the world. Mi’kmaq communities need the same information at the table so we can ask the right questions and make the right decisions for our people, our land, our water, and the next seven generations.”
– Jim Ward, General Manager, North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council
“This project is about helping our communities understand critical minerals. Development could bring opportunities in jobs, training, youth career paths, First Nations businesses, partnerships, and environmental monitoring. Communities need clear information to support decisions on whether and how they want to participate in all phases of critical minerals and mining activity.”
– Shawn Dalton, Senior Strategist, North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council
Next Steps
The StoryMap and Data Viewer are now available through NSMTC’s website: https://nsmtc.ca/critical-minerals. For the best experience, the Data Viewer should be accessed on a desktop or laptop computer. Some features may be difficult to view or navigate on mobile devices.
NSMTC is currently rolling the tools out to representatives from its seven Member Nations. Engagement will continue with Mi’kmaq community members to support informed conversations about critical minerals development in New Brunswick.
About the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council
The NSMTC is a not-for-profit organization committed to advancing the health, sustainability, and economic prosperity of its Member Nations. The NSMTC primarily serves the Ugpi’ganjig (Eel River Bar), Oinpegitjoig (Pabineau), Natoaganeg (Eel Ground), Metepenagiag (Red Bank), L’nui Menikuk (Indian Island), Tjipõgtõtjg (Buctouche), and Amlamgog (Fort Folly) while extending support to 25 additional First Nations across Atlantic Canada. The council provides service delivery, technical support, and capacity-building in water and waste management, housing and infrastructure, post-secondary education funding, training and employment, community development, clean energy opportunities, environmental stewardship, and health service coordination.
Media Inquiries
For media-related questions, contact:
Vanessa McLaughlinCommunications Officer, North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council
vanessamclaughlin@nsmtc.ca | 506.210.1705