Markham-Eabametoong First Nation Partnership

On January 31, 2017 the City of Markham signed a historic agreement of Cultural Collaboration with Eabametoong First Nation, also known as Fort Hope.

Eabametoong is an Ojibway First Nation located 360 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, Ontario on the northern shore of Eabamet Lake. The community is located approximately 1,000 kilometres north of Markham and the total population of Eabametoong totals over 2,500, of which approximately 1,500 live on-reserve. The community is accessible by air and winter road.

Through the agreement Markham and Eabametoong have agreed to:

Promote social, cultural and economic collaboration in conjunction with Canada’s 150 anniversary
Promote harmony and goodwill for the betterment of their residents
Stimulate public awareness

Background Information

Events & Initiatives

Eabametoong First Nation Student Art Exhibit – April 2017

This year, students from Eabametoong’s John C. Yesno Education Centre participated in an art project, challenging students to create an art piece depicting the future of their community in ten years. In April, the student’s artwork will be displayed at the Markham Civic Centre with a small group of Eabametoong students participating in a three day visit to Markham.

Cultural Tourism Showcase- June 16 to 18, 2017

Markham visitors will travel to Eabametoong First Nation to experience eco-tourism, indigenous culture and arts.

Markham 150 Expo - September 2017

The City’s signature Canada 150 celebration, featuring local performances, vendors and activities that explore on our past, present and future.

Aaniin Community Centre & Library – Opening in 2017

Aaniin Community Centre and Library is a new community centre currently under construction in southeast Markham at Middlefield Road and 14th Avenue. It is a 122,000 square-foot, fully accessible LEED Gold facility located on more than 13 acres of land. The name “Aaniin,” pronounced [ah-nee], means “hello” in Ojibway and was chosen to welcome Markham’s many diverse communities, to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017 and in honour of our First Nation’s people. It is scheduled to open in 2017.

Advancing Sport & Recreation Opportunities – Ongoing

The City of Markham and its residents have donated several tonnes of hockey, baseball and soccer equipment to provide sport and recreation opportunities to children in Eabametoong First Nation. Fitness equipment such as gym equipment has also been donated to support healthy living. Markham has participated in a fundraising campaign to remediate mold and renovate dressing rooms in Joseph Jacob Nate Memorial Arena in Eabametoong First Nation.

Community & Infrastructure Investments – Ongoing

The City of Markham has worked with Eabametoong First Nation to provide subject matter expert insight and best practices on infrastructure repairs and investment. Markham staff are currently providing assistance to Eabametoong First Nation on the development of a new community facility. To assist with the replenishing and replacement of community assets, Markham has provided a Zamboni for the arena in Eabametoong and has assisted in the procurement of fleet and operations vehicles. Local Markham businesses have also contributed to the partnership by donating green and sustainable products such as LED lighting fixtures.

Advocacy Efforts – Ongoing

The City of Markham has advocated on Eabametoong First Nations behalf to advance important local matters including the escalation of State of Emergency declarations, pandemic assistance and expediting the installation and repair of water treatment facilities. Eabametoong First Nation has been under a boil water advisory since 2002.

Reconciliation – Ongoing

To support Markham's reconciliation and enhanced understanding efforts, Eabametoong First Nation has regularly participated in various Markham initiatives including Indigenous Peoples Month/Day events, Orange Shirt Day and the dedication of Markham's newest community centre, Aaniin Community Centre and Library. Eabametoong First Nation also provides knowledge sharing and advice to Markham staff on how the municipality can advance its calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Cultural Exchange – Ongoing

The First Nation and City of Markham government have also engaged the local communities to participate in the partnership. Schools in Markham have collaborated on arts and culture exchange with the elementary school in Eabametoong First Nation. Local entrepreneurs and companies in Markham have also participated in cultural exchanges as part of their reconciliation efforts. . To better support economic development in EFN, Markham has provided creative arts equipment to enhance sewing circles in the First Nations community.

Future of the Partnership – Ongoing

Since the establishment of the partnership in January 2017, there has been growth and upward momentum. With each year, the partnership has advanced from small measurable actions to long-term actions that consist of various stakeholders. Eabametoong First Nation is committed to long-term support of Markham's reconciliation efforts. Long-term, Eabametoong First Nation is benefiting from the access to expertise of Markham senior staff, across commissions that will result in the shared knowledge and advancement of infrastructure priorities such as a new community centre. Markham is also providing expertise to advance flood remediation and housing supply efforts in Eabametoong. Markham staff are increasingly being introduced into the partnership when a gap is identified between the city and First Nations community. Markham staff regularly meet and communicate with staff from Eabametoong First Nation. Over the years, many individuals have contributed to the partnership. However, one thing remains the same. Markham CAO Andy Taylor and Mayor Frank Scarpitti have made it a priority to lead this partnership file and remain updated on progress. Since 2017, Eabametoong has had three (3) different Chiefs. Following every election, CAO Taylor and Mayor Scarpitti meet with the new chief, preferably in person, to discuss what has been accomplished in the partnership and what further collaboration can be achieved. Both parties know and understand that each other is deeply committed and that regardless of leadership change, the partnership remains strong and will endure.

For more information on the partnership or inquiries on how to get involves, contact Bryan Frois, Manager, Executive Operations and Strategic Initiatives at bfrois@markham.ca.

Flags of Eabametoong First Nation and the City of Markham flying outside Markham Civic Centre.

Mayor Scarpitti and CAO Andy Taylor meet virtually with Eabametoong First Nation Chief Solomon Atlookan in 2021.

Members of Eabametoong First Nation Band Council hold gifts from the City of Markham's 2021 Visit.

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