Metis Nation signs impact agreement
Deal with De Beers on proposed diamond mine marks second IBA for NWT Metis
Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Published Monday, December 22, 2014
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The Northwest Territory Metis Nation has signed an impact benefit agreement (IBA) for a proposed new diamond mine in the NWT.
The IBA creates a framework to work with De Beers Canada over the life of the proposed Gahcho Kue project to develop economic, environmental and cultural programs with Metis Nation members.
The agreement, which was signed in Yellowknife on Dec. 12, will provide socio-economic benefits including jobs, training for employment and business opportunities.
"For me, it's a big step for the Metis," said Garry Bailey, president of the NWT Metis Nation. "The developments are starting to recognize our rights. They're starting to respect us, and coming to negotiate with us, share the resources and make sure that we benefit from it."
Plus, the Metis Nation will be involved in monitoring the environmental impact of the Gahcho Kue project.
"We welcome development providing that it's sustainable and environmentally safe, and we're involved in it," he said.
Bailey said the agreement will mean more employment for members of his organization, which represents Metis councils in Hay River, Fort Smith and Fort Resolution.
"When you apply at a mine, normally they tell you if you don't have an agreement or you're not one of the impacted communities therefore you're bottom of the list," he said. "That's not going to happen anymore. We'll be on top of the list."
The proposed Gahcho Kue diamond mine, located 280 km northeast of Yellowknife, is a joint venture between De Beers Canada (51 per cent) and Mountain Province Diamonds. De Beers will be the operator.
"De Beers is committed to sustainable development and through this agreement the NWT Metis Nation members can access new employment, training and business opportunities while ensuring strong environmental and cultural programs," stated Glen Koropchuk, the chief operating officer for De Beers Canada, in a news release. "We want to thank the negotiating teams on both sides for their hard work in concluding the IBA."
Bailey said the deal was negotiated over about 10 months.
Gahcho Kue will employ close to 700 people during two years of construction and about 400 people during its operational phase.
"It will have more than enough jobs for our people," said Bailey.
The impact benefit agreement with De Beers Canada is the second of its kind for the NWT Metis Nation. The first was with Avalon Rare Metals.
