​Supporting Wabauskang band members in the protection of community values, meaningful engagement in resource development activities, and preservation of the environment in the community’s traditional territory.
Obaushkongaki Resource Office Roles and Responsibilities
Obaushkong Aki (Wabauskang Resource Office) has four main priority areas to help meet the resource needs of the community members. These priority areas are as follows:
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Facilitation of Consultation Requests for Resource Development Activities- Obaushkong Aki acts as the point of contact for proposed development activities in the community’s traditional territory. It is our role to ensure that community members are informed of any development activities; that community members have the ability to effectively communicate any concerns and/or identify potential opportunities; and ensure that community feedback is provided to Chief and Council, the proponent, and government agencies. These activities include mining (e.g. staking claims, exploration, proposed mine sites), forestry (e.g. annual work schedules, forest management plans), and work permit applications.
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2. Employment/Training Support – Obaushkong Aki is available to assist community members in obtaining financial, professional, or training support to allow members take advantage of employment, career, or business opportunities in the community’s traditional territory. Over the past five years, we have assisted community members in finding employment at area mines, on fisheries projects, and seasonal work with MNRF that has led to long-term career opportunities.
3. Environmental Programs – Obaushkong Aki works with community members to identify environmental concerns and/or priorities in the community’s traditional territory. Once priorities have been identified, we identify the resources required to implement programs that monitor and/or address the environmental concerns of the community. Examples of this are the annual Cedar River Watershed Monitoring Program, reduction in the herbicide use on the Trout Lake Forest, and engagement in the Woodland Caribou Workshops.
4. Technical and Professional Support – Obaushkong Aki is able to provide technical expertise to support environmental programs (EWRRP Mercury Panel, Cedar River Watershed Monitoring Program, Woodland Caribou workshops, reduction in herbicide use), GIS initiatives (consultation requests, EWRRP Mercury Panel), and planning files (TLE negotiations, FNLMA process). This expertise helps to support band members and Chief and Council as they represent Wabauskang First Nation’s interests at negotiations and engagement with various companies and government agencies.
