Back Row – left to right: Robert Boyce, Faron Shawinimash, Terry Okeese
Front Row – left to right: David Waswa, Lewis Nate, Rugged Dude, David Boyce Sr., Leslie Atlookan, Terrance Keeskitay and George Waswa

First Nation Seeks To Boost Economic Activity

EABAMETOONG FIRST NATION, FORT HOPE, ONTARIO: In August, Eabametoong First Nation delivered a specialized tourism development and training program for ten community members who wanted to learn more about operating their own hunting and fishing camp outpost. The 5-day training boot camp was held at the Ozhiski Outpost which is situated on Eabametoong First Nation traditional territory and owned and operated by local community member Weiben Slipperjack.

The participants were transported by floatplane from Eabametoong First Nation dock to the camp. The training was provided by RD the Rugged Dude who is a well-known expert in camp outpost operations. The training curriculum covered 14 core competencies for operating a remote fly-in outpost. some topics include:

Site selection, camp constructions, furnishings. water systems Boats, motors, insurance
Reservations, packaging and promotions Customer service, safety and law
Moose Hunts, River Trips, Ecotourism and more …

Lewis Nate, Economic Development Officer of Eabametoong First Nations coordinated the project and is a strong believer that the success of growing Eabametoong’s tourism industry lies in its ability to attract visitors and offer the products and services that they want and by providing an exceptional hunting and fishing experience. “This can only be achieved by building capacity at the community level to establish a network of camp outposts with trained and passionate camp owners,” added Nate.

Chief Elizabeth Atlookan stated that tourism training and enhancing skills in other sectors like mining and entrepreneurship is core to Eabametoong’s strategic plan. “Investing in our most important asset. our people, is a priority that we take seriously and one that will bring exponential economic growth to our region,” Atklookan said.

Eabametoong would like to thank the support received from KllKENOMAGA KIKENJIGEWEN Employment and Training Services and Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund. Matawa Economic Development Advisor Jason Rasevych also provided in-kind support and assistance throughout the project.