Exploration cuts off camp
Freeland seeking compensation for loss of business

Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Mar 05/99) - Mike Freeland says diamond exploration and development at Lac de Gras forced the sale of outfitting business Qaivvik Ltd.

Freeland, who co-owned Qaivvik with B.C. resident Fred Webb, wants compensation.

"We are the individuals most negatively affected by Diavik activity," he said.

Qaivvik has three land leases on Lac de Gras and one on Courageous Lake. Guests to the Lac de Gras camp were complaining about exploration activity as well as air traffic.

After advertising in Canada, owners sold the business to a Wyoming resident about two weeks ago.

"We elected not to operate since 1993 because of staking and exploration activities," Freeland said.

Freeland figures since closing, the company has lost over $1 million in revenue.

By 1992, Qaivvik's Lac de Gras operations were generating about $220,000 a year in revenue, he said.

"We're requesting DIAND (Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development) appoint a mediator to decide on a process to reach a fair and equitable settlement to compensate us for our losses."

Freeland made the comments Wednesday at the Diavik diamond project technical sessions at the Explorer Hotel.

Qaivvik's owners were able to reach an agreement with BHP. Details of that deal were not disclosed.

Diavik spokesperson Doug Willy said Wednesday Diavik was not carrying out activities at Lac de Gras during hunting season.

He also said since Qaivvik has not operated since 1993, it is difficult to measure any effects on Qaivvik's business.

Bob Turner, North Slave Metis Alliance interim resource management assistant, asked Freeland if he had compensated aboriginal people for land use.

Freeland said all of the company's guides were aboriginal. Qaivvik's eight guides were from Kugluktuk, Dettah and Ndilo.

The Diavik hearings conclude today. Thursday's agenda included a presentation by the GNWT on secondary diamond benefits.