Historic Air Licensing Agreement Reached for Northern First Nation:

    WEBEQUIE FIRST NATION, ON, May 21 /CNW/ - During a ceremonial signing
presentation, Webequie First Nation has supported an air licensing agreement
with Webequie Logistics. The historic agreement, that is a first of its kind
for Webequie First Nation, covers several mining industrial measures including
line cutting and staking, exploration equipment rental, exploration camp
construction, personnel management for camps, and air transportation solutions
(fixed, rotary, float) and exploration logistics.
    Webequie Logistics Vice-President, Mike Peplinski says: "The agreement
allows Webequie Logistics to operate in prime mining areas surrounding
Webequie and in the Ring of Fire. The benefits of this agreement for all
parties are numerous and include employment opportunities and capacity
development for the local people of Webequie in mineral exploration and new
enterprise development with Webequie Minerals Corporation, among others."
    The "Ring of Fire" is known as a geological region of the James Bay
lowlands and has been considered the next major mining camp in Canada, with
over a dozen exploration and mining companies currently exploring for gold,
platinum, nickel, and copper. The agreement expands Webequie Logistics service
from just air transportation, to providing support for the mining industry
that Peplinski says "will assist Junior exploration companies in an area of
high activity and promote business growth in the remote North".
    Webequie First Nation Chief, Cornelius Wabasse, says: "The agreement is a
significant move for our community, providing much needed economic benefits,
including employment opportunities and revenue sharing. The partnership is a
direct result of our First Nation actively seeking business partners to
increase employment and participate in mining activity taking place within our
traditional territory."
    As part of the agreement, Webequie Logistics will now have access from
Webequie First Nation Airport, a Float Base near the Ring of Fire exploration
area, and will also be able to access northern airports in Geraldton, Nakina,
Thunder Bay, Sioux Lookout, Timmins, Red Lake, and Pickle Lake.
    Niskibi Commodities Inc. facilitated the joint venture between Webequie
First Nation and Webequie Logistics. Webequie Logistics is owned and operated
by Clayton Downton, President; Sam Lappage, First Vice-President and Mike
Peplinski, Second Vice-President.

    Quick Facts:

    Webequie First Nation

    Webequie First Nation is a remote community in Northwestern Ontario
situated within the James Bay Treaty No. 9 and is the closest First Nation in
proximity to the Ring of Fire/McFaulds Lake area and as a result has been
greatly impacted. The First Nation is accessible by air only and is located
540 kilometers north of the City of Thunder Bay.
    Webequie is an Ojibwe community with a fast-growing population;
Fifty-percent of community members are between the ages of five and
thirty-five.

For further information: Amanda Bay, Communications Officer, Firedog
Communications, T- (807) 767-4443 ext.223