Union Gas helps restore sacred pow-wow grounds

$3,500 grant to Fort William First Nation to repair and upgrade pow-wow grounds

THUNDER BAY, ON, Dec. 4, 2013 /CNW/ - Union Gas is helping Fort William First Nation repair and upgrade the pow-wow grounds atop Anemki-waucheu through a $3,500 grant awarded today.

Wendy Landry, Union Gas manager First Nations, Metis and municipal affairs and Wayne Rich, Union Gas Utility service manager presented the cheque to Fort William First Nation Chief Georjann Morriseau, today at the bands council meeting.

Today's financial support from Union Gas combined with future assistance from company volunteers will help to complete repairs and upgrades to the pow-wow grounds that were damaged by vandals this past summer. The grounds form an important part of the community's culture and many festivals and activities are held there. The area also plays host to such annual celebrations as National Aboriginal Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies.

"Union Gas strives to be the partner of choice for communities, and that includes building long-term, productive relationships with First Nations and Métis communities," said Landry. "We can't think of a better way to demonstrate our commitment than by helping in the restoration of this sacred place."

"The significance of our traditional pow-wow grounds date back to the early 1930's when members of Fort William First Nation celebrated at this site, with the opening of the original access road. Today's presentation by Union Gas to assist FWFN with the financial expenditures incurred to restore the damaged grounds and upgrade the facility clearly demonstrates their commitment to solidify and maintain the productive relationship they have initiated," said Morriseau. "On behalf of the members of Council and of course our membership, we thank you for your contribution to FWFN."

With our deep roots in Ontario, Union Gas has built a foundation of strong, mutually-beneficial relationships with First Nations and Métis peoples in the communities and regions where we operate. This is central to providing certainty to our business and supports the vision, purpose and values of the company's Charter. For more information visit uniongas.com/community/aboriginal

About Fort William First Nation
Fort William First Nation (FWFN) is located along the shores of Lake Superior, adjacent to the City of Thunder Bay, divided by the Kaministiquia River. FWFN has a total population of 1964 members with approx. half living off reserve either within the City of Thunder Bay or surrounding area. The governance of FWFN consists of 12 Councillors under the leadership of Chief Georjann Morriseau. Elections are held every two (2) years and are carried out in accordance with the Indian Act. Each council member carries a portfolio with the administration of the First Nation.  Under the staffing of approx 25 administrative employees, FWFN carries out the daily administration under the direct supervision of the Chief Executive Officer. Services provided include Housing, Social Services, Education, Membership, Lands, Economic Development, Roads/Sanitation, Culture/Recreation, Health and Human Resources. With all subsidiary services provided, FWFN provides employment to over 150 employees.  For more information visit fwfn.com.

About Union Gas
Union Gas Limited, a Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE) company, is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with 100 years of experience and service to customers, assets of over $5.8 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. The distribution business serves about 1.4 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities across Ontario. Union Gas is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. For more information, visit uniongas.com or find us on Twitter: twitter.com/uniongas, Facebook: facebook.com/uniongas and YouTube: youtube.com/user/uniongas.

SOURCE: Union Gas Limited

Union Gas Limited 
Andrea Stass
Manager, External Communications and Media Relations
Ph: 519 436-5490 or 1-800-571-8446 ext. 5005490
Cell: 519 365-1010
[email protected]

Fort William First Nation
Tracy Paul
Executive Assistant
Office of the Chief
Office of the CEO
Ph: 807 623-9543
Cell: 807 632-3762
[email protected]