October 6, 2025 - Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Anishinabe of Wauzhushk Onigum - Golden Eagle Centre Retrofitting Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. The determination was made based on a consideration of the following factors:

• There will be a positive impact on the rights of Indigenous peoples associated with the retrofitting of the Golden Eagle Centre. The centre supports a wide range of community initiatives, including youth sports, educational programs, elder services, and cultural events, and the upgrades to the centre is expected to extend the building's functional lifespan by at least 25 years;
•  The community had been engaged. Specifically, elders and residential school survivors were involved in the planning process through a process denoted by the community as 'Katigogiing', the 'working together protocol'. By repurposing this historic site and adapting it to modern needs, the project honours the past while securing a prosperous future for the community;
• There have been no comments received by the public; and
• During construction activities, mitigation measures that ensure the protection of the environment and safety of community members will be implemented. Mitigation measures proposed for the project have been prepared and reviewed by ISC.

Implementation of mitigation measures is required to address:

• Air Quality: Reduced air quality due to emissions from heavy machinery/equipment and fugitive dust;
• Noise: Noise impacts from construction activities;
• Birds, Insects, and Other Wildlife: Construction works have potential to disturb local wildlife, including species at risk (SAR) and migratory birds;
• Human Health and Safety: Construction activities are a potential hazard to workers and the public;
• Archaeological / Cultural Resources: Work site is immediately adjacent to a residential school site (St. Mary's Residential School) and potential for disturbing unmarked graves and cultural artifacts;
• Waste Generation: Demolition of building and work related to upgrades will generate construction waste. 

Proposed mitigations are as follows:

• Air Quality: Ensure that construction equipment is properly maintained for efficient combustion; idling of vehicles onsite will be minimized; watering the ground will be done on dry, windy days to reduce dust. Site is also surrounded by forest that will reduce impacts from wind and dust;
• Noise: Equipment mufflers to be in good working condition; works to occur during daylight hours only; neighboring residents will be notified of construction schedule;
• Birds, Insects, and Other Wildlife: The surrounding forest land and potential wildlife habitat will not be disturbed from the construction works. If any species at risk or wildlife or bird habitat are encountered during the construction works, the works will temporarily cease in the area of concern and a review with the engineer, ECCC and MNRF will be conducted to determine actions and whether a permit is required. No bird or wildlife species will be intentionally harmed or displaced;
• Human Health and Safety: Contractor to utilize a safety program and workers to wear personal protective equipment onsite. Access to the construction sites will be restricted to prevent public access. Safety signs and fencing will be utilized around the construction sites and excavations;
• Archaeological / Cultural Resources: No excavation is planned for project; If any relevant artifacts are uncovered, works would temporarily stop in those areas while an investigation occurs with first nation and provincial authorities; Any human remains would be investigated by provincial and federal police forces.;
• Waste Generation: Any construction waste produced would be disposed of at an approved landfill site. Any hazardous material waste would be hauled to a licenced facility.

Indigenous Services Canada is satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. Therefore, Indigenous Services Canada may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.