b'MEMBER PROFILEhas been ensuring the environmental assessment processthe formal review of how a project will affect the land, water, and peoplereflects the values and[FNMPCs work] gave me hope for my community to principles of her community. Too often, she says, these processes have failed to take First Nations worldviews seriously. have access to technical support and the ability to look at Its not mainstream; its particular to our communities and our values and ourmajor projects as an actual possibility in our community. principles, she explains. FNMPC hasCorrina Leweensupported members by developing a First Nations-led environmental assessment process that reflects Indigenous perspectives more broadly, helpingIts important because a lot of the Firstcommunications between them and our ensure that Nations like Cheslatta canNations dont have access to capital, andpeople and our leaders is vital.bring their own principles forward whenreally its a new thing where First Nations engaging in major projects. can get access to capital, she says.For Nations considering how to move That alignment starts at the beginning.forward, Leween sees the Coalition as an Sometimes there could be a proposedShe also believes that meaningfulimportant tool.project, but it doesnt align with ourrelationships and communication are keyThe First Nations Major Projects Coalition values, Leween says. That is what to long-term success. is a vehicle to pursue major projects, she I would say: start from the ground upWe need communication, and we alsosays. I would recommend it because our and make sure that our communitiesneed to have the relationship buildingFirst Nations are starting to become more are involved right from the verywith our First Nations communities andproactive in major project development in beginning. with the First Nations Major Projectscommunities, but also to balance that fine MOVING FORWARD, TOGETHER Coalition technical team, she says.line between the environmental impacts, Access to capital remains a barrier, butThe direction from the CEO, all of it isthe accessibility to capital to do the major Leween says change is happening. tied within our communities, and theprojects, and that financial piece. DESIGN YOUR IDEAL JOBREADINESS PROGRAM!Working at Heights Importance of Indigenous inConfined Space Entry & ConstructionAwareness Fit For DutyWHMIS Fit TestForklift Standard First Aid and CPRMobile Elevated Work Platform Fire ExtinguisherAccessibility for Ontarians with Fire WatchDisabilities Act (AODA) Heavy EquipmentMinistry of Labour in 4 Steps AZ Driving ProgramYoung and New Workers Trenching HazardAwareness Traffic ControlCultural Awareness TrainingUnderstanding Safety Culture1.866.244.3334sclarke@nattgroup.caVISIT OURWEBSITE!STRENGTHEN YOUR VOICE www.nattsafety.comREACH ASSOCIATION MEMBERS AND INDUSTRY PARTNERS LocationsACROSS THE COUNTRY WITH TAILORED COMMUNICATIONS SOLUTIONS 98 Fielding Road, Lively Unit 1, 3524 Coons Rd. Brockville117 White Oak Drive E, Sault Ste. MarieRobert Thompson, Senior Vice President2501 Rutherford Road, Vaughanrobertt@mediaedge.ca 647-494-4229 1052 Riverside Drive, Timmins44NATIONS FORWARDIssue 12025First Nations Major Projects Coalition45'