Jim MacLeod’s economic and environment leadership honoured with award

As president of EnviroCree and JA MacLeod Exploration, Jim MacLeod lends his vast experience in mining to help protect the environment, train workers and develop the Cree economy.  For these reasons MacLeod is the recipient of this year’s Skookum Jim Award for Aboriginal achievement in the mineral industry, presented at the annual Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada’s (PDAC) award ceremony on March 4.

 

A stalwart in his community of Mistissini, MacLeod founded the Mistissini Geological Resources Centre, now known as the Cree Natural Resources Centre, where he currently serves on the board of directors. The centre helps the community harness its vast mineral wealth while maintaining a sustainable approach to environment rehabilitation and preservation.

 

MacLeod also serves on the board of the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association as a volunteer director where he has been working towards increasing the level of understanding of the mining industry within Aboriginal communities across Canada.

JA MacLeod Exploration provides services to mining companies in the early stages of development as they seek resources for funding and evaluating properties.

 

MacLeod’s life’s work is a key element of Mistissini’s economic growth. His technical expertise in line cutting, staking, geological mapping and surveying to the various projects in the region puts him at the centre of major development projects.

 

But his concerns also emphasize respect for the environment and the traditions of the Elders. Through EnviroCree, MacLeod focuses on environmental impacts and coordinates efforts to decontaminate mine sites. EnviroCree also provides advice to create beneficial agreements between mining companies and Cree First Nations communities regarding fishing, hunting, and environmental regulations specific to Eeyou Istchee as well as respecting the community’s traditions.

 

As the region continues to grow, MacLeod continues to apply his knowledge and experience in the mining industry to better serve the Cree community of Eeyou Istchee. We congratulate him for his work and his reception of the award and hope to see the next generation of young Aboriginal entrepreneurs follow in his footsteps.