Cambridge Bay (Sep 13/04) - The Tahera Corporation and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association signed an impact benefit agreement over the Jericho Diamond Project near Cambridge Bay Sept. 8.

The agreement outlines benefits and opportunities Inuit will receive.

The president of the KIA, Charlie Evalik, spoke to News/North about the importance of the agreement and what Tahera's presence means for the Kitikmeot.

Tahera president Peter Gillan, left, signs the Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement while Kitikmeot Inuit Association president Charlie Evalik, second from left, looks on. - photo courtesy of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association

News/North: Why is this agreement important?

Charlie Evalik: The KIA has 103,360 square kilometre of Inuit-owned surface lands and part of the mine infrastructure will be on Inuit-owned lands.

Jericho is the first diamond mine in Nunavut and that will benefit Inuit of our area.

The Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement is important because it outlines the benefits accruing in terms of jobs, employment, training business opportunities, as well as protection of wider Inuit rights.

NN: What will this agreement accomplish?

CE: The agreement sets down the working relationship between KIA and Tahera on jobs and on targeting for Inuit businesses to take advantage of the mine.

NN: How did this agreement come about?

CE: The agreement was negotiated between the company and KIA. It took roughly six months, on and off, to come to an agreement. The agreement in principle was reached in December 2003.

NN: How does the agreement benefit the Kitikmeot Inuit?

CE: They will get direct employment during the construction and operations phase. There will be training and opportunities to work in the mining sector. Inuit businesses will take advantage of the mine as heavy equipment operators and maybe for catering for the mines as well.

NN: Why is an agreement like this needed?

CE: The agreement is required. Any development happening in Nunavut worth $25,000 and over, an impact benefits agreement has to be negotiated. It's outlined in the Nunavut Land Claims agreement.

NN: Is this a green light for the Jericho Diamond Mine?

CE: That's right, it's a green light so far. We couldn't sign the agreement until (the Nunavut Impact Review Board) submitted their report to Indian Affairs for the proponent to go ahead. Now they're waiting for water license applications with the Nunavut Water Board.

NN: Are people happy in the Kitikmeot?

CE: Yes. It will cover all the communities. It will have an impact and hopefully benefit employment.