This is a very nice gesture on Noront's part.

http://hopeforthefuture.ca/2011/orange-post/ring-fire-aboriginal-youth-camp-sparks-curiosity/

RING OF FIRE ABORIGINAL YOUTH CAMP SPARKS CURIOSITY

First Nations youth living in northern Ontario’s “Ring of Fire” are getting an exciting opportunity to experience Earth science and learn about the minerals industry thanks to Noront Resources and the Mining Matters Aboriginal Youth Camp. Aboriginal youth, ages 13 to 19, are invited to register for the unique camp, running August 29 to September 2, 2011, at Confederation College in Thunder Bay.

Mining Matters Aboriginal Youth Camp features five days of hands-on learning and activities. Through field activities and classroom lessons, youth will learn about topics ranging from Earth process and structure, GPS and compass work, prospecting, and line cutting to geochemistry and biodiversity, health and safety, mining operations, and careers in the minerals industry. They will talk to mining industry professionals, experience geology labs at Lakehead University, tour the Confederation College Aviation Centre of Excellence, and see some of the most advanced mining technologies in action at North American Palladium’s Lac des Iles mine. There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required, and only 60 participants can be accommodated. To register, visit www.mikawaa.com.

There is a real need for such educational programming in the Ring of Fire, a highly mineralized zone located in the James Bay Lowlands that is situated in and around many First Nations communities. Webequie First Nation and Marten Falls First Nation are also offering the camps this year, thanks to Noront, having enjoyed tremendous success with their initial experience in 2010; enrolment skyrocketed from the expected 60 to 104 participants. Chief Cornelius Wabasse of the Webequie First Nation says, “This program teaches our youth about Earth science and mineral exploration, mining and the environment. The content, so relevant to the mineral exploration and mine sites close to our communities, inspires and challenges our youth. Positive reactions [last year] lead me to believe that the program has lasting impact on our youth, opening their eyes to their own potential as well as the job possibilities awaiting them.”

Referring to Noront Resources’ second year of championing these camps, Mining Matters’ Aboriginal Education Specialist Barbara Green Parker says, “Industry support is vital for this important program. Noront Resources believes in giving Aboriginal youth valuable experience and insight to their potential. We greatly appreciate their vision.”

“It is critical that local youth understand the importance of mining, education and staying-in-school to ensure Aboriginal communities are equipped to fully participate and benefit from future career and business opportunities,” says Leanne Hall, Vice President of Human Resources at Noront. “We are thrilled to be expanding the program to the Thunder Bay Region and having over 180 Aboriginal youth participate in the Mining Matters program.

The program engages partners from industry, government, academia, and First Nation Communities. Other supporters of this program include Webequie First Nation; Marten Falls First Nation; the Ontario Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs; the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry; the Canadian Geological Foundation; Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada; the National Science, Engineering and Research Council; Knight Piésold; Confederation College; Lakehead University; North American Palladium; and Cementation Canada Inc.

Mining Matters is a charitable organization, established in 1997, that works to educate students about Canada’s geology and mineral resource endowment and promote an awareness of the importance of rocks, metals, minerals and mining. The organization gives young people the chance to learn hands-on about the minerals industry in a fun and educational way. Now in its 10th year of offering its unique Aboriginal Youth Outreach Program, Mining Matters has had outstanding success promoting the importance of Earth science and the minerals industry to Aboriginal communities.

Noront Resources Ltd., the dominant land holder at the Ring of Fire, focuses on significant and multiple, high-grade nickel-copper-platinum-palladium, chromite, gold, and vanadium discoveries in an area.

Noront supports the establishment of educational initiatives that will positively impact the quality of education for youth.

MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND the Mining Matters Youth Camp to photograph and interview youth as they compete in a headframe engineering challenge and complete a GPS treasure hunt.

Date: Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Location: Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology
McIntyre Building, Student Commons
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (Headframe Engineering Challenge)
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (GPS Treasure Hunt)

MEDIA CONTACT :

Laura Clinton
Manager, Financial Affairs and Fund Development
Mining Matters
Tel: (416) 863-6463 ext 324
Cell: (416) 433-0628
Email: lclinton[at]pdac.ca

www.MiningMatters.ca

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