Anishinabek, Nipissing to develop bioeconomy strategy

July 21, 2014, North Bay, ON – The Union of Ontario Indians
has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Nipissing University’s
Biomass Innovation Centre to explore business options for using sustainable
forestry resources like branches and bark to create advanced bioproducts and
biofuels, such as wood pellets.

“This partnership is a stepping stone to lead the bioeconomy
initiative forward for Anishinabek and other First Nations in Ontario to
consider,” says Walter Manitowabi, Union of Ontario Indians Chief Operating
Officer. “Over the past decade the Canadian forest industry has experienced a
significant downturn and Canada’s share in global markets for traditional
forest products like lumber has decreased substantially. At the same time,
requirements for green energy, transportation fuels, and other bioproducts have
increased, resulting in new market opportunities for biofibre use.”

Dr. Michael DeGagné, Vice-Chancellor and President of
Nipissing University, also signed the MOU for the project, which will map the
current capacity for innovation and bioproducts development in northern
Ontario, develop industry and community partnerships, and develop foreign and
domestic markets for northern Ontario bioproducts.

"Nipissing University is proud to partner with the
Union of Ontario Indians for this project, as one of the meaningful
partnerships we are developing to support northern and Aboriginal
communities," says Dr. DeGagné. "With this project, our Biomass
Innovation Centre enhances our capacity as engines of economic, social, and
cultural development for our communities in an environmentally sustainable manner."