Aboriginal and Inuit Mining and Oil/Gas – Page 195

Uncertainty concerning disputed land claims compounds challenges for Manitoba’s miners – by Alana Wilson (Mining Facts.org – July 10, 2013)

July 16, 2013

MiningFacts.org is a digital resource for Canadian mining information produced by the Fraser Institute, a conservative-leaning think tank.

Manitoba faces ‘potentially deal-breaking uncertainty’ over treaty land claims in its mineral exploration sector according to an article by Martin Cash in the Winnipeg Free Press. This is compounding problems for the mineral exploration sector at a time when metal prices are low, investors are already avoiding the sector, and equipment is subject to an additional 1% sales tax.

According to the article, Mega Precious Metals –an exploration company working to develop a gold property called Monument Bay—have received an eviction notice from the nearby Red Sucker Lake First Nation. A temporary court injunction has since been issued which “authorizes the arrest of anyone obstructing, trespassing or creating a nuisance or ‘engaging in any act which interferes with the operations of the Monument Bay project’.”

The band has referred to the property in a news release as “a mineral-exploration company operating illegally in Red Sucker Lake First Nation traditional territory”. Yet Mega Precious Metals has been working with the band for years and in 2010 signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with them.

Taseko Mines praises Ottawa ahead of environmental hearings – by Dene Moore (Canadian Press/CTV New – July 14, 2013)

July 15, 2013

http://www.ctvnews.ca/

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — The company behind a rejected billion-dollar gold and copper mine in the British Columbia Interior has been lobbying for the federal government to change the environmental assessment process that previously rejected the project, documents show.

And Taseko Mines Ltd. likes what it’s heard, according to documents obtained by The Canadian Press.

“I believe that yourself and the government of Canada are showing great leadership by taking an unapologetic approach to the responsible development of this country’s natural resources,” John McManus, senior vice-president of operations for Taseko Mines Ltd. (TSX:TKO), wrote to Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver following a January 2012 meeting in Vancouver.

The proposed New Prosperity Gold-Copper Mine was rejected by a federal environmental assessment panel in 2010 over concerns about the environmental impact, specifically the plan to drain a nearby lake for use as a tailings pond. Public hearings before a new panel are to begin this week in Williams Lake, B.C., for a revised mine proposal. The planned site is located about 125 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake.

Queen’s Park: Ontario’s economic future out of its hands as Ring of Fire languishes – by Ian Harvey (July 15, 2013)

July 15, 2013

http://www.lawtimesnews.com/

Ian Harvey has been a journalist for 35 years writing about a diverse range of issues including legal and political affairs. His e-mail address is ianharvey@rogers.com.

From beaver pelts to the oilsands, Canada’s economy has benefited from a blessed treasure trove of resources. Why else would anyone slog through dense bush while fighting mosquitoes, navigate huge waterways, and pound through granite but for those rich rewards?

Toronto’s financial district owes much to mining, forestry, and energy as a quick glance at the Toronto Stock Exchange attests. Look west and the British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan economies are booming while Ontario’s moribund manufacturing sector struggles with a petro dollar that puts mainstays like the auto makers on alert as labour costs rise.

It wasn’t always like this, of course. Hooked up to cheap hydro electric power, Ontario was the engine that drove the nation. But today, it languishes as a have-not province in Confederation while hamstrung by deficits and a debt that will hover like a thundercloud over successive governments for generations.

What Ontario needs today is money. It needs lots of it and it can’t come soon enough. But the future of Ontario is mired in its past as well as lingering questions over aboriginal rights and which land claims are valid.

Q & A with David de Launay, ADM Ring of Fire – (Onotassiniik Magazine – Summer 2013)

July 15, 2013

Onotassiniik, Wawatay’s Mining Quarterly, sets out to provide knowledge and information about the mining industry in northern Ontario to First Nations communities, individuals and leaders throughout the region.

David de Launay is the Assistant Deputy Minister, Ring of Fire – Community Relations – Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines

David de Launay is a member of the Ontario’s Ring of Fire Secretariat. As an assistant deputy minister, de Launay is responsible for “community and government relations.” He replaced Deborah Richardson of Pabineau First Nation on the Secretariat after she announced in January she was taking a two-year leave from the Ontario government. Richardson had filled the position in August when Harvey Yesno left it for his successful bid to become grand chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

Prior to joining the Secretariat, de Launay’s assistant deputy minister duties for the Cabinet Office of Ontario involved reviewing oil and gas pipeline development. He has spent most of his career working within the Ontario government in Aboriginal Affairs and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Bryan Phelan, Onotassiniik editor, asked him in March about his important new role with the Ring of Fire Secretariat.

The story hidden in grandfather rocks [Northern Ontario First Nations] – by Andy Fyon (Onotassiniik Magazine – Summer 2013)

July 15, 2013

Andy Fyon is the Director of the Ontario Geological Survey, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines

Do you collect rocks? Isn’t it interesting how they’re all so different? Some rocks are round, others have sharp and pointy edges, some are colourful, and others are dull.

When I was a child, I collected rocks. I wondered about the stories they had to tell. Where did they come from? How did they arrive where I was standing? Why were there so many different types of rock in that small area?

That curiosity about rocks always remained with me, so, naturally, I became a geologist – a person who seeks knowledge about the earth: “ahki nanatookiikaenge gay wininii.” I am now the leader of the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines’ Ontario Geological Survey (OGS). We seek to understand the story hidden in the Ontario rocks, soils and landforms.

What is the Ontario Geological Survey?

Marten Falls youth win mining video award – by Christian Quequish (Wawatay News – July 14, 2013)

April 5, 2015July 15, 2013

http://wawataynews.ca/

Youth from Marten Falls First Nation were the recipients of the best overall video award for the Ontario Mining Association’s 2013 So You Think You Know Mining video contest this past June.

The winning youth from Marten Falls were: Christian Peters, Matthew Waboose, Allen Waboose, Jared Peters, Drew Waboose, Craig and Skye Achneepineskum. The filmmakers travelled to Toronto to attend a ceremony at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) that recognized the winning contestants.

“Visiting Toronto was awesome, I got to meet new people and visit the CN tower,” said Drew Waboose, one of the recipients of the mining video award of $5,000 and a trophy. “My mom was so proud when she found out we won first place. Hearing my group’s name get called I felt happy because we never thought we were going to win.”

Allen Waboose, another one of the filmmakers, said some of the challenges during production were getting a boat to use for the film and climbing on top of the community arena to get a good shot of a helicopter flying in supplies. “It started off with Kaitlyn Ferris (of Noront Resources), it wasn’t all my idea,” said Allen Waboose. “She came to my reserve and I just randomly joined the project.”

NEWS RELEASE: MEGA PRECIOUS METALS INC. ALLOWED TO CONTINUE WORK AT THE MONUMENT BAY PROJECT

July 15, 2013

Thunder Bay, Ontario (July 12, 2013)

Mega Precious Metals Inc. (MGP-TSX-V) and Rolling Rock Resources Corporation (Mega): Further to the news release of July 4, 2013, the Court of the Queen’s Bench, Manitoba has granted an indefinite extension of the injunction and Mega is able to continue its planned exploration work at its Monument Bay Project.

Mega sought the injunction in response to a “Stop Work Order” and a “Notice of Eviction” Letter delivered to Mega on July 2, 2013 by Chief Leslie Harper of the Red Sucker Lake First Nation (RSLFN).

Glen Kuntz, President and CEO stated “Mega remains interested in exploring further opportunities for collaboration with RSLFN to those already in place.” Mega has been actively engaged with RSLFN since 2010 and believes that it continues to demonstrate respect for RSLFN’ Treaty rights.

Mega Precious Metals has had all of the necessary permits from the Government of Manitoba to operate its camp and to conduct exploration activities on Crown land in the Monument Bay project area since December of 2010. The permits that Mega has received from the Manitoba Government provide for continued engagement with Aboriginal communities to ensure that traditional activities and areas of cultural significance are protected and respected.

Aboriginal sessions popular at PDAC convention – by Glenn Nolan (Onotassiniik Magazine – Summer 2013)

July 12, 2013

Glenn Nolan is the President of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada

In the last decade, positive relationships have grown between Aboriginal communities and the mineral exploration and development industry. I am a member of the Missanabie Cree First Nation in northern Ontario. My father worked at a nearby mine. I saw first-hand the benefits of this important industry, not only in my own life, but in the lives of my community members.

Since that time, the awareness by industry about what should be done to engage communities in a proactive and respectful way has grown tremendously, and that is very encouraging. We have made progress; more than 200 agreements have been signed between mining companies and Aboriginal communities in Canada. These projects range from grassroots exploration activities to producing mines across the country, with many resulting in employment and business opportunities for local Aboriginal communities. This is an exciting time for our communities, and for this sector.

As president of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), I am pleased to be in this role at such a dynamic time for our industry. I believe there is tremendous opportunity for Aboriginal communities and companies to work together in a respectful and collaborative manner.

Building a skilled First Nations mining workforce – by Shawn Bell (Onotassiniik Magazine – Summer 2013)

July 12, 2013

Trades training, life skills education help Webequie students chase dreams

When the instructor leaves the trailer, the four young men from Webequie First Nation huddle around the heavy diesel engine. They have been instructed to put it back together, after spending the morning taking it apart.

In quick Oji-Cree, mixed with lots of laughter, there is a debate going on. The pile of nuts and bolts on the bench fit somewhere. There is no consensus where.

Eventually Simon Shewaybick grabs a foot-long combination wrench and starts tightening the bolts. The others follow suit.
When the pile of bolts is gone, the four of them pause for a moment. They are still not sure, but there is nothing left to attach. When they flip the engine upright, a single bolt falls to the floor with a crash. Everyone laughs.

The engine is flipped over again, and it is back to work. Later that day Edgar Jacob says this is the sort of hands-on experience he was looking for when he signed up for Oshki-Pimache-O-Win’s Mining Essentials Program.

Future Ring of Fire route open to First Nations – by Bryan Phelan (Onotassiniik Magazine – Summer 2013)

July 12, 2013

The provincial government has changed its public position on First Nations access to any future all-weather road to the Ring of Fire. It now asserts that First Nations would have access to such a road.

Last fall, a spokesman for the ministry of Northern Development and Mines told Wawatay News a proposed road linking the Ring of Fire mining development to an existing highway south at Nakina would not connect to First Nations in the region, and residents of those communities would be excluded from using it.

The province would help pay for construction of the 350-kilometre road but it would only be open to industrial users, the MNDM spokesman said, “to go in and get ore and minerals back out.” According to the province’s plan at the time, those companies would use the road on a pay-per-use basis.

First Nations bypassed along the way would include Webequie, Eabametoong, Neskantaga and Marten Falls – all members of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and the Matawa First Nations tribal council. “It doesn’t make economic sense, it doesn’t make moral sense and it’s just not going to happen that way,” Les Louttit, NAN deputy grand chief, said in November.

First Nations resource development group stalled by the AFN – by Laura Stone (Global News – July 10, 2013)

July 11, 2013

http://globalnews.ca/

OTTAWA – A government working group set up to ensure aboriginals share the benefits of natural resource development is more than a month behind schedule because the Assembly of First Nations has yet to nominate its members.

The delay comes after the previous incarnation, a joint economic task force, fell apart last November after two AFN appointees quit, according to briefing notes released to Global News under access to information.

The creation of a working group was among the pledges made at this year’s Jan. 11 meeting between Prime Minister Stephen Harper and National Chief Shawn Atleo, and reflects a similar commitment made at the 2012 Crown-First Nations gathering.

The four-member group, with two members and co-chairs each nominated by the AFN and the department of aboriginal affairs, was supposed to start its seven-month term on June 1.

But that hasn’t happened. The federal government has picked its members, but the AFN has not. Once the nominees are in place, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt will make the appointments, the note says.

Matawa community members to get more training – by Rick Garrick (Wawatay News – July 10, 2013)

July 11, 2013

http://wawataynews.ca/

Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment and Training Services (KKETS) has partnered with Aecon Group Inc. to expand training and development programs for First Nations in the Ring of Fire area.

“In the past, First Nations did not have the same participation in the labour market, but through the process of developing and maintaining relationships with key employers, potential employment opportunities have been recognized,” said Morris Wapoose, KKETS’ program manager. “We want to thank Aecon for stepping forward and we look forward to building this positive relationship.”

Aecon and KKETS have agreed to work collaboratively to develop remote training centres, which will be operated by First Nations in a socially and culturally relevant environment to provide local access to community-based education, trades and apprenticeship training. The remote training centres will employ state of the art computerized technology systems and high-speed satellite broadband Internet to connect the communities.

“Our relationship with the Matawa First Nations and KKETS is an important component of Aecon’s strategic approach to community engagement and skilled labour development,” said Teri McKibbon, Aecon’s president and chief operating officer in a press release. “Education and training is a priority for Aecon. Programs such as the remote training centres are an innovative response to the future demand for labour in remote areas, and will make positive contributions to surrounding communities.”

Ontario’s last chance to revive the Ring of Fire – by Martin Regg Cohn (Toronto Star – July 11, 2013)

July 11, 2013

The Toronto Star has the largest circulation in Canada. The paper has an enormous impact on federal and Ontario politics as well as shaping public opinion.

Will the Ring of Fire, a 4,000-square-kilometre mineral find in the Far North, ever get off the ground?

It was supposed to be Ontario’s next big thing — a $50-billion lucky star. But after years of hype, the Ring of Fire is back on the backburner — far off in time and space.

Plans to build chromite mines in the middle of nowhere, 500 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, are going nowhere fast. The biggest private backer has backed out for now, complaining of government dithering and aboriginal dickering.

Will the Ring of Fire, a 4,000-square-kilometre mineral find in the far north, ever get off the ground? Improbably, two white-haired lawyers from Toronto are trying to restore the flame: They are two hired guns negotiating against each other to find common ground over this remote territory.

Bob Rae represents the First Nations of the Far North. After serving as an unpaid adviser since March, he quit last month as a Liberal MP to take it on full-time.

First Nation reminds IOC suitors of ‘fierce opposition’ to on-reserve mining – by Henry Lazenby (MiningWeekly.com – July 9, 2013)

July 10, 2013

http://www.miningweekly.com/page/americas-home

TORONTO (miningweekly.com) – The Innu First Nation of Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam has reminded potential suitors of mining giant Rio Tinto’s 58.7% stake in the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC), that the Aboriginal group continued to “fiercely oppose” IOC’s mining, railway and port operations within their traditional territory.

The group had, in March, filed legal proceedings against IOC, along with the Innu First Nation of Matimekush-Lac John, asking the Quebec Superior Court to block the company’s operations in Quebec and Labrador. The two groups had also sought C$900-million in compensation, which they alleged represented IOC’s profits at the facilities since 1954.

The Innu groups claimed the miner had violated their rights for nearly 60 years, causing harm by operating a large mining complex and 578 km railway on traditional territory (Nitassinan) in north-eastern Quebec and Labrador since the 1950s, without their prior consent. The facilities were located in the communities of Schefferville, Labrador City and Sept-Îles.

“The Innu are well past their breaking point and, in addition to the legal action, IOC can expect further acts of opposition in the coming months. While it is clear that Rio Tinto is looking to offload assets, the Innu First Nation of Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam cannot help but feel that Rio Tinto is also seeking to offload the ‘Innu problem’,” the group said in a statement on Tuesday.

NEWS RELEASE: Aecon announces strategic partnership with Matawa First Nations

July 9, 2013

TORONTO, July 8, 2013 /CNW/ – Aecon Group Inc. (TSX:ARE) announced today it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services (KKETS), A Division of Matawa First Nations.

The agreement represents the beginning of a strategic partnership between Aecon and KKETS; starting with a joint commitment to expand training and development programs for First Nations in northern and remote areas surrounding Ontario’s Ring of Fire mining development.

Under the agreement, Aecon and KKETS will work collaboratively to develop “Remote Training Centres” to provide local access to community-based education, trades and apprenticeship training, operated by First Nations in a socially and culturally relevant environment. The Remote Training Centres take advantage of state of the art computerized technology systems and high-speed satellite broadband internet to connect communities.

“Our relationship with the Matawa First Nations and KKETS is an important component of Aecon’s strategic approach to community engagement and skilled labour development,” says Teri McKibbon, Aecon’s President and Chief Operating Officer.