“I’m always learning something new and gaining great work experience.”
Virginia Mines: a junior company that stands out
Noront signs historical agreement with Webequie First Nation
Mining conflict in Schefferville: the Innu denounce intimidation by the federal government
“It doesn’t benefit our people to automatially oppose industry”
AFN supports findings of Harvard Law Report on Mining in Takla Lake Traditional Territory
Rainy Lake Tribal Contracting and Cabo Drilling awarded drill contract
“I’m always learning something new and gaining great work experience.”
Name: Susan Daigneault
Title: electrician, electrical drawings
Location: McArthur River, Sask.
Joined Cameco: June 1998
“It’s rewarding to work at Cameco. After going through one of their apprenticeship programs, I’m now an electrician and I feel like I’m always learning something new and gaining great work experience.
“Being Métis and female, I’m glad to be a role model for my daughter and her friends. I also want to encourage other females who are looking at working in a trade position. The possibilities are endless.
“I applied at Cameco because I heard it was a good place to work, and that their wages were competitive. Once I started with the company their training program helped me move from one career to another and stay within the company.
“Cameco has helped me advance my career. I was allowed time off work, financial support and help from co-workers to move ahead. I made a big career jump from working a clerical position to electrician and Cameco supported my ambitions.
“My family shares the pride in all I have achieved.”
Bridging the gap
“Mining Essentials Program” poised to increase capacity
for Aboriginal employment in mining
By Lindsay Forcellini
Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Mining Industry Human Resources Council
The Assembly of First Nations and the Mining Industry Human Resources (MiHR) Council are developing Mining Essentials: A Work Readiness Training Program for Aboriginal Peoples to create more employment opportunities for Aboriginal peoples and to provide a practical solution to recruitment challenges currently facing mining employers.
Aboriginal peoples have a strong history and future role in Canada’s mining industry and many Aboriginal communities are located within close proximity of Canada’s mines and exploration sites. Mining Essentials will ensure Aboriginal peoples have the essential skills and work-readiness training needed to enter the mining industry, increasing their capacity for employment in one of Canada’s highest paying industrial sectors.
The Mining Essentials Program was conceptualized after MiHR’s 2009 needs-assessment revealed national interest in an essential skills program for the industry. This pre-employment mining training program is a potential entry point to MiHR’s Canadian Mining Credentials Program, with curriculum based on industry standards. The benefits of the program include consistency in learning outcomes, increased worker mobility and bridging the gap between career seeker skill levels and employer demand level for skills.
Mining Essentials will also help to enhance the relationship and cooperation among Aboriginal communities and the mining industry and facilitate a medium for partnerships between Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreements.
The program is currently in development. Once finalized, it can be delivered by a variety of approved training experts or community facilities. The Ready to Mine, Skills Development Project involves the Mining Essentials Program, including training curriculum, a learner’s workbook, assessment tools and an online database to track participants and success rates.
Jennifer Russell, Manager of Training Programs at the Yukon Mine Training Association and Ready to Mine Project Steering Committee member, is optimistic about the project.
“This program is going to help Aboriginal peoples across Canada. It is going to give them the confidence they need to take advantage of all the opportunities available in the mining industry,” she says. “Industry and communities have both been asking for this type of program to tap into more skill-specific training.”
Adele Faubert, Manager of Aboriginal Affairs at Goldcorp Inc.’s Musselwhite Mine and member of the Ready to Mine Project Steering Committee, agrees that the program provides a viable solution that is mutually beneficial to both employers and Aboriginal communities.
“It makes good business sense to have a local trained work force at a remote mine site,” Faubert explains. “And employment opportunities are much needed within remote [Aboriginal] communities because the unemployment rate is high. The local community Elders really support employment for their youth for the health and well being of the community, the more people they have employed, the more functional the community.”
The Ready to Mine, Skills Development Project also provides a strategic solution to the industry’s current struggle to find skilled workers and it will help employers offset the gap from the 40 per cent of workers eligible to retire in the next ten years by providing them with a trained local work force – an advantage for remote mine sites and Aboriginal communities, according to Faubert.
With First Nations involvement on the project right from the start, MiHR’s partnership with the AFN also illustrates the Council’s continued commitment to increasing the available opportunities for Aboriginal peoples in the mining industry and builds upon the Guide for Aboriginal Communities publication that was released in 2009. A must-read for career seekers, the guide contains information on post-secondary education options for mining careers, as well as a list of occupations in the industry and the education and training requirements for each. Ever considered a career as a geologist, demolition expert, surveyor, mechanic, accountant or safety specialist? For more information on these occupations and the many other exciting opportunities in the mining industry, visit www.aboriginalmining.ca to access the Guide for Aboriginal Communities.
MiHR and the AFN are partnering with the following organizations in the development of this unique program: the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, the Mining Association of Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, the Native Women’s Association of Canada, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Métis National Council, Natural Resources Canada, Association of Canadian Community Colleges, Mine Training Society and Yukon Chamber of Mines.
The Ready to Mine, Skills Development Project, funded by HRSDC’s Aboriginal Affairs Directorate under the Aboriginal Skills Training Strategic Investment Fund, will undergo a pilot testing phase. Participants will be identified based on program interest, proximity to mine sites, community needs and proven track record for training delivery.
Melanie Sturk, MiHR’s Director of Attraction, Retention and Transition, will be overseeing the project. Melanie is responsible for enhancing workplace diversity by developing initiatives that encourage new workers, specifically those from underrepresented groups, to engage in mining careers. For more information on the Mining Essentials: A Work Readiness Training Program for Aboriginal Peoples, please contact Melanie at msturk@mihr.ca.
Virginia Mines: a junior company that stands out
By Carl-Michel Cloutier
Xtrem-Utopia Press Agency
Mining visionary André Gaumond, President and Chief Executive Office of Virginia Mines, is among the pioneers in the field of social responsibility in Canadian mining exploration. First and foremost a man of passion and determination, his expertise is well known in North America. Since the discovery in 2005 of the Éléonore gold deposit in the James Bay region, Gaumond’s reputation is not one to be proven anymore.
Deeply caring about the environment and long-term mining development, Gaumond is among the first to favour the integration of strict practices of sustainable development and social responsibility in mining in Quebec and Canada. His reputation and participation in various committees and environmental organizations is a major asset: E3 (PDAC), Fonds Restor-Action, MinAlliance, Fonds Communic-Action, AEMQ, AMQ, to name a few.
For Virginia Mines, relations with First Nations and its implication in sustainable development are synonymous with success. Virginia Mines has innovated by implementing a communication system with the Cree communities in Québec to inform them of all mining activities to come on their territory. Virginia Mines counts on a communication and complete information strategy with the objective of being more attentive to these First Nations and their territories. Being in constant communication with this entourage, Virginia Mines’ team remains at the forefront of the development process of environmental conservation measures.
According to Paul Archer, Vice-President Exploration, Virginia Mines’ concern to commit to long-term relationships with Native communities is reflected in different spheres, notably in social donations to communities, hiring of Native people for mining exploration on their territory, and visits to communities on a regular basis.
Jérôme Lavoie, Geological Engineer for the Lac Pau project, James Bay says: “It is a give-give situation. Trappers and communities give us access to ancestral territories and in return we contribute to the economic resurgence of the communities where we carry out exploration. We also initiate young Native people to geology and prospecting”.
Agreement between BC Hydro and First Nations Energy and Mining Council seeks to enhance relationships in the clean energy sector
The BC First Nations Energy and Mining Council (FNEMC) and BC Hydro signed a protocol agreement June 23rd to identify areas of common interest within sustainable clean energy development.
“It is very important that we have a positive working relationship with BC Hydro to discuss pressing issues and to understand policies and plans that they develop,” said Dave Porter, CEO of the First Nations Energy and Mining Council.
“We will work with the First Nations leadership, and in discussions with BC Hydro the FNEMC will advance the priorities of the First Nations that were contained in the 2007 First Nations Energy Action Plan. This protocol is a positive first step.”
“BC Hydro is looking forward to working closely with the Council. This agreement will lead to more opportunities to work with more First Nation communities to explore the development of clean energy projects,” said David Cobb, Chief Executive Officer and President of BC Hydro.
“Building relationships based on mutual understanding, respect and trust with First Nations is a core part of BC Hydro’s mandate as we move ahead to deliver a strong new future for clean energy in our province that benefits all British Columbians.”
Following the signing of the agreement, the two parties will work together to find specific areas of collaboration.
Noront signs historical agreement with Webequie First Nation
Noront Resources Ltd. is pleased to announce the signing of a Historical Exploration Agreement between with the Webequie First Nation (WFN), a First Nations community in the James Bay Lowlands. The Exploration Agreement deals with the company’s exploration activities from December 1, 2009 to the present day, which were conducted on the traditional lands of the WFN.
The Exploration Agreement includes a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which sets out protocols for conducting exploration activities on traditional lands of the WFN and reinforces the company’s intention to enter into a comprehensive Impact Benefit Agreement in the future. Noront will also be working to sign a similar MOU with the Marten Falls First Nation (MFFN). The company previously signed a similar Historical Exploration Agreement with the MFFN in April 2009.
Wes Hanson, President and CEO stated; “We are extremely pleased to have signed this agreement with the Webequie First Nation. Noront is committed to corporate social responsibility. We want to ensure the environment in which we work and the people with whom we work are treated with dignity and respect so that they can contribute to our combined future successes. We look forward to playing an important role in the development of the Ring of Fire through continued cooperation among Noront, local First Nations, various levels of government and industry.”
Chief Cornelius Wabasse, Webequie First Nation stated; “This is a welcome agreement for the Webequie First Nation. The membership of Webequie First Nation looks forward to a positive and meaningful working relationship with Noront. We are committed to this mutually beneficial partnership with Noront, who is attempting to be as inclusive as possible as they continue their exploration activities. Our agreement recognizes that activities associated with mineral properties will be best achieved when Aboriginal and Treaty rights are recognized, and the social, environmental, and cultural well being of the First Nations are in balance with a company’s objective to conduct further work on their mineral properties.”
Mining conflict in Schefferville: the Innu denounce intimidation by the federal government
The Chiefs of the Innu Strategic Alliance vigorously denounce their intimidation by the federal Minister of Indian Affairs, Chuck Strahl, who is threatening the Innu communities with substantial funding cuts should they refuse to remove the barricades currently preventing the resumption of mining operations in the Schefferville region. “For us, this is a measure of last resort meant to protect our rights over our land and resources. The federal government’s attitude is scandalous, “ said the Vice-Chief of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, Mike McKenzie, on behalf of the Alliance.
It will be recalled that on June 11 the Innu communities of Matimekush-Lake John and Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, with the support of the member communities of the Innu Strategic Alliance, set up barricades to block the lone road leading to the mining projects of two companies on Innu ancestral land. Neither company obtained the consent of the Innu of Matimekush-Lake John and Uashat mak Mani-Utenam before commencing operations on the land to which the Innu hold Aboriginal title and ancestral rights.
Recently, the Cabinet of the Minister of Indian Affairs contacted the Innu Strategic Alliance to propose a meeting with Minister Strahl in Ottawa, provided the Innu dismantle the barricades, which would have the effect of enabling the mining companies to resume their operations without offering any guarantee to the Innu. The Innu’s refusal to submit to the federal government’s conditions would put an end to the $6 million annual subsidy for rail service between Sept-Îles and Schefferville and would jeopardize the planned investment of $73 million to repair this rail link of critical importance to the Innu communities. Moreover, the federal government would back out of its commitment to create a roundtable on territorial overlapping in Labrador. “The federal government wants to punish us for defending our rights. We will not give in to this inexcusable and shameless intimidation,” said the Chief of Matimekush-Lake John, Réal McKenzie, adding that the Chiefs are prepared to denounce the contemptuous attitude of the federal government at the G-20 and G-8 summits to take place in Toronto.
The Innu Strategic Alliance therefore demands a meeting with the governments and insists on their making a written undertaking whereby the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador shall recognize Innu rights in Québec. “We no longer accept to be victims of the senseless decisions of the provincial governments, decisions made in complete disregard to our rights over our traditional land and its resources. This land, whether in Labrador or Québec, is our ancestral territory. We hold ancestral rights and Aboriginal title to this land. Preventing the mining companies from performing their work is a way of expressing our opposition to projects that flout our rights. The barricades will stay up for as long as the governments continue to violate our rights,” jointly declared the Chiefs of the Innu Strategic Alliance.
“It doesn’t benefit our people to automatially oppose industry”
By Jo Harris
“The new wave of chiefs looks for ways to strengthen their communities. It doesn’t benefit our people to automatically oppose industry. We have to look at each thing as it comes along and weigh up the costs and benefits. I need to help my people move forward,” says Lhtako Dene Nation Chief Geronimo Squinas.
The Lhtako Dene Nation, with traditional territory in the Quesnel and outlying area, and Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd., a Vancouver-based junior mineral explorer, are in the process of signing an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related to the company’s projects in the region. They are also exploring the company’s need for power and the possibility of using pellets supplied by Lhtako Energy Corp.
Chief Geronimo Squinas with
Frank Callaghan, President & CEO of Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd.
The relationship between the Lhtako and the company did not develop overnight, and dates back over a decade, and an original MOU signed in July 2000 by then Chief Frank Boucher, Geronimo’s father.
“Studies conducted several years ago identified that the Lhtako Dene people called the Quesnel area home,” commented Frank Callaghan, Barkerville’s president and CEO. “It only makes sense that we take advantage of the First Nation knowledge of the region and resident potential workforce, while talking about ways to make benefits mutual. It’s a two-way street that requires work and commitment by both parties.”
Lhtako Elder Katherine Peters (right) deceased, and Luna Ildzi (left)
at the project site in 2000, speaking in Carrier about Lhtako use of the land.
Some Lhtako members who contributed to the early studies have since passed on, but their knowledge and uses of the land are on record through independent ethnographic studies commissioned by the company.
Barkerville’s original application to develop the Cariboo Gold mine near the community of Wells, B.C. was withdrawn pending market improvements and additional reserve delineation.
Given continuing strong market value for gold, Barkerville anticipates the project will be ready to re-enter the BC Environmental Assessment Process in 2012. In the meantime, studies and talks continue to ensure that the proposed mine is not only able to meet the environmental and socio-economic expectations of the federal and provincial governments, but also the Lhtako Dene Nation.
AFN supports findings of Harvard Law Report on Mining in Takla Lake Traditional Territory
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo said that findings of a 200 page study released recently by Harvard’s International Human Rights Clinic echo the situation facing First Nations across the country. The findings state that B.C.’s mining regulations do not recognize First Nations rights to self-determination and the critical need for First Nation involvement right from the beginning of any exploration.
“I commend Takla First Nation and the group, First Nations’ Women Advocating for Responsible Mining for undertaking this important work with Harvard University. This partnership confirms through independent, expert research the position of First Nations and the recommendations point the way forward. I support the recommendations and urge both levels of government to carefully consider them and work toward implementation with First Nations,” the National Chief stated. “Takla Lake First Nation, and many other First Nations, are seeking a balanced approach to economic development that is responsible and sustainable and this requires their involvement right from the beginning.”
The National Chief added that provincial and federal governments also need to take new measures in land planning in order to avoid confrontations between mining companies and First Nations communities. The National Chief noted that better support for First Nations in developing their own land use plans will help when the time comes to discuss prospective mining developments with the industry.
The report, “Bearing the Burden: The Effects of Mining on First Nations in British Columbia,” was authored by Bonnie Docherty, an expert on international human rights law and a lecturer with Harvard Law School’s International Human Rights Clinic. The report says that despite the unfair burden that mining places upon First Nations they “do not always reap economic benefits” from the sector. It also states the province’s mining regime fails to live up to international laws and treaties that Canada has signed or domestic law, thereby leaving First Nations without the proper protection that these laws are intended to provide. The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
Rainy Lake Tribal Contracting and Cabo Drilling awarded drill contract
Cabo Drilling Corp. has announced that Brett Resources has awarded Rainy Lake Tribal Contracting Ltd. and joint venture partner Cabo Drilling (Ontario) Corp. a drilling contract for a minimum of 30,000 meters on the Hammond Reef Gold Deposit, near Atikokan Ontario, Canada. The Brett Resources flagship project is located in the Sawbill Bay-Marmion Reservoir area approximately 170 kilometers west of Thunder Bay, Ontario, and roughly 23 kilometers northeast of the town of Atikokan, Ontario.
Through collaborative efforts Rainy Lake Tribal Contracting Ltd. and Cabo Drilling (Ontario) Corp. formed a joint venture to bring the First Nation’s communities into the drilling services industry, thereby providing First Nation members and local residents professional training, employment and economic opportunities.
“The Cabo Drilling Corp. joint venture is a prime example of our efforts to partner with private businesses to develop new revenue streams for the First Nation communities”, states Economic Development Corporation advisor Tony Marinaro.
“Our goal is to develop mutually beneficial and sustainable business relationships that will open up economic and employment opportunities for the Fort Frances area First Nation communities.”
Cabo Ontario Division Manager, Blaine Pullen, states, “The Hammond Reef drilling project is an excellent pilot project for our First Nation joint venture to demonstrate our ability and commitment to produce the most highly trained, safety motivated quality drilling services in the industry.”
About Brett Resources Inc. Brett Resources Inc.’s primary objective is the recognition, acquisition and development of quality precious metal resources. Brett has assembled a portfolio of precious and base metal projects in the Americas.
Brett is presently focused on expanding gold resources at its Hammond Reef Gold Deposit, near Atikokan, Ontario. www.brettresources.ca
Rainy Lake Tribal Contracting Ltd. is a wholly owned Aboriginal general contracting company specializing in road construction, site development, forestry, transportation, sand gravel and aggregates as well as diamond core drilling in the mining sector.
www.rainylaketribalcontracting.ca