Companies

In its first year of operation, the CMEB received proposals for funding from the communities of Wemindji, Waswanipi, Oujé-Bougoumou, and Mistissini. Given that the proposals submitted exceeded our funding resources, which amount to approximately $300,000 per year, the CMEB was able to fund only some projects. Funded projects are:

Wemindji Exploration Inc. (WEMEX)

• Wemindji Diamond Project
• Wemindji Exploration Renewal Properties
• Helene Lake

Gold Exploration Inc. (CREEGOLD)

• Perch River Copper Property
• Mistissini Lake

Nimsken Inc (NIMSKEN)

• Oujé-Bougoumou NTS Sheet 32J01 and NTS Sheet 32J03
• Michwacho

Cree Nation of Mistissini

• Diamond Exploration Field Assistant Training Course

Since the beginning of its new fiscal year, the CMEB has received three more requests for funding related to exploration in the Cree Territory. We will also approve partial funding of other projects in the Awareness and Promotion Program as well as in training and job assistance.

New Projects

The Cree Mineral Exploration Board has received several proposals from Cree and non-Cree companies for the new fiscal year 2004-05. Each year, the following Cree companies, Nimsken, Cree Gold, and Wemex submit requests for funding new projects in Eeyou Istchee.

In accordance with our mandate, the CMEB will evaluate any and all project proposals that meet our funding guidelines. In 2005, the CMEB also received proposals from several non-Cree companies, including Arianne Resources Inc., Appalache Resources Inc., and Sirios Resources Inc. All these companies are seeking Joint Ventures, selling shares or investments. They are also planning to hire Cree employees and contract Cree services companies.