First Nations Given Liaison With Diamond Industry

First Nations Given Liaison With Diamond Industry

Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 15:35

The federal government has invested $200,000 for a development centre in the Fort-a-la-Corne area.

The exploration liason office is designed to boost First Nations’ job numbers at the diamond exploration sites in the region.

The money is also aimed at giving local bands the chance to create their own business spinoffs.

Chief Gerald Whitehead of the Peter Chapman First Nation says he’s pleased to see his people given the chance at gainful employment.

However, Whitehead says he worries about the long-term effects of mining in the area.

He says some elders are already saying they don’t recognize the landscape any more, while hunters fear game in the region will disappear.