Aboriginal and Inuit Mining and Oil/Gas – Page 212

NEW RELEASE: Solid Gold Announces Management Change

December 4, 2012

Marketwire – Canada TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Dec. 3, 2012) – Solid Gold Resources Corp. (“Solid Gold”) (TSX VENTURE:SLD) announced today that Darryl Stretch, a director of Solid Gold, has been replaced as Chief Executive Officer by the board of directors of Solid Gold. On an interim basis, Alan Myers, a director and the Chief Financial …

Expect First Nations to press on resource rights – by Doug Cuthand (Saskatoon StarPheonix – November 30, 2012)

November 30, 2012

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/index.html

Resource Rulers, a new book by Bill Gallagher, outlines the recent history of First Nations, the resource industry and government relations, and confirms what I suspected.

The First Nations are on a winning streak, and we’re kicking butt in the courts. There are close to 170 positive court cases so far, related to resources and jurisdiction since the inception of the Constitution Act of Canada.

In 1982, when the pa-triation of the Constitution from Britain and the discussions to develop the Charter of Rights and Freedoms were underway, First Nations fought to have aboriginal and treaty rights enshrined in the Constitution and given legal weight. The result was Section 35, which states: “Existing aboriginal and treaty rights of the aboriginal peoples of Canada are hereby recognized and affirmed.”

At the time we complained that Sec. 35 was not defined and only gave us the right to go to court. Then prime minister Pierre Trudeau announced that three first ministers’ conferences would be held to define those rights. The three conferences were held, but unfortunately the meetings got nowhere.

The premiers had the chance to define rights or initiate a process at the conferences, but instead left it for the courts to decide. In the intervening years First Nations have gone to the courts repeatedly and we have amassed an impressive winning streak.

Canadian Royalties aims to start shipments from Nunavik Nickel in 2013 – by Jane George (Nunatsiaq News – November 28, 2012)

November 28, 2012

http://www.nunatsiaqonline.ca/

More than 650 people already working on site

A Chinese-owned mine in Nunavik will soon see huge ice-class vessels sailing through Hudson Strait to bring nickel, copper, platinum and palladium to European markets.

After sinking $735 million into infrastructure, Jien Canada Mining Ltd., the owner of Nunavik’s second soon-to-be operating mine, plans to ramp up production in early 2013 and hire more Nunavik workers.

The mine company, which expects to reach full production by 2014, will produce nickel, copper, palladium and platinum for at least 13 years. Located 20 miles from Xstrata Nickel’s Raglan nickel mine, the Nunavik Nickel mine sits in “one of the most inhospitable places in the world,” said its president, John Caldbick in a recent interview.

But the cold, rocky plateau is rich in minerals, and early in 2013 the mine will start processing ore. More than 650 people are now on site, living in its 428-person main camp and other temporary camps. Some workers are excavating ore from the Expo open pit mine, while others complete essential parts of the mine’s infrastructure.

NAN deputy grand chief says private road to Ring of Fire ‘totally wrong’ – by Shawn Bell (Wawatay News – November 26, 2012)

November 26, 2012

Northern Ontario’s First Nations Voice: http://wawataynews.ca/

Nishnawbe Aski Nation deputy grand chief says that First Nations will not allow Ontario and the companies involved in the Ring of Fire to build a private road to the development without connecting communities of the region.

Les Louttit called Ontario’s plan to subsidize a private road from Nakina to the Ring of Fire that would provide industry a way to get ore from the mines to market, but not connect to First Nations along the route, ‘totally wrong’.

“That cannot be allowed to happen and we will make sure as a political organization that we pressure the government and industry that any transportation corridor that is going to go into the Ring of Fire development will have to have open access to the communities,” Louttit told Wawatay News.

“It will be going close by Aroland, Eabametoong, Neskantaga, Marten Falls and Webequie,” he added. “It doesn’t make economic sense, it doesn’t make moral sense and it’s just not going to happen that way.”

A spokesperson with Ontario’s Ministry of Northern Development and Mines previously confirmed that the government plans to help build and operate and pay-for-use road to the Ring of Fire.

Wahgoshig First Nation open for business – by Liz Cowan (Northern Ontario Business – November 23, 2012)

November 24, 2012

Established in 1980, Northern Ontario Business provides Canadians and international investors with relevant, current and insightful editorial content and business news information about Ontario’s vibrant and resource-rich North.

Wahgoshig First Nation is open to doing business with resource companies, but one mining executive is off the list. The community, located about 45 kilometres east of Matheson, is not interested in meeting with Darryl Stretch, president and CEO of Solid Gold.

The company began drilling on Wahgoshig’s territory, about a kilometre from the community, in 2011. Chief Dave Babin said the company never informed the First Nation about its plans. “We have values out in the territory and we want to make sure the industry realizes that,” Babin said.

In doing business with other resource companies, the First Nation has negotiated three impact benefit agreements so far, with others to be finalized in the near future, and has 17 memorandums of understanding. Solid Gold failed to consult with the community, even after it was advised by the Crown to do so.

Wahgoshig took the company to court in early January, 2012, and a temporary injunction was granted by an Ontario Superior Court judge to cease exploration. The injunction was for 120 days.

Solid Gold was granted a leave to appeal and the Divisional Court of Ontario will hear the case in January, 2013.

The Importance of Canadian Flow-through Share Financing and the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit – by Ross Gallinger (Toronto, Canada – November 14, 2012)

November 22, 2012

PDAC Executive Director Ross Gallinger gave this speech at the Toronto Stock Exchange on November 14, 2012.

Check Against Delivery

Thank you Minister Oliver for your remarks and for being here with us this evening. We sincerely appreciate your ongoing support of our industry. Your efforts are paramount to our success, and we thank you for your hard work.

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Ross Gallinger and I am the Executive Director of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada.

For 80 years, our association has been a leading voice in representing the mineral exploration and development industry. The PDAC has more than 10,000 members, both individual and corporate, and exists to protect and promote mineral exploration and development, and to ensure a robust mining industry in Canada.

As Minister Oliver and others have noted on numerous occasions, the natural resources sector, and in particular the exploration and mining sector, are vital to Canada’s economic sovereignty. Mineral exploration and junior mining operations play a key role in driving economic development, and provide employment opportunities throughout the country—especially in: Northern, Aboriginal and remote communities.

Mixed feelings on plans and permits – by Norm Tollinsky (Sudbury Mining Solutions Journal – November 2012)

November 22, 2012

Sudbury Mining Solutions Journal is a magazine that showcases the mining expertise of North Bay, Timmins and Sudbury.

Mining Act regulations to be fully enforced April 1, 2013

The jury is still out on the new Mining Act regulations in Ontario that require prospectors and exploration companies to consult with First Nations and apply for plans and permits prior to carrying out most exploration activities.

The new rules have triggered a chorus of grumbling and stoked fears of major delays, excessive demands by First Nations and the flight of exploration dollars to other jurisdictions, but Ross Gallinger, executive director of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, claims they provide “certainty in terms of the steps required and transparency for stakeholders.

“Some people are going to look at this permitting as a bit of a delay, but thinking through the process, the amount of certainty outweighs the potential delay,” he said.

“The duty to consult has already been part of the process and, from a best practice perspective, the PDAC has always been an advocate of early and often consultation as a means to facilitate access.”

Mushkegowuk wants unique mining plan – by Shawn Bell (Wawatay News – November 21, 2012)

November 22, 2012

Northern Ontario’s First Nations Voice: http://wawataynews.ca/

In response to what it claims are shortfalls with Ontario’s new mining act, Muskegowuk tribal council says it has started discussions with the province on the creation of a unique mining plan for the Mushkegowuk region.

Mushkegowuk Grand Chief Stan Louttit said it may be time for Ontario to implement specific legislation and policies giving First Nations consent over mining and exploration activities in the Mushkegowuk region.

Louttit said a clear regional plan would add certainty for industry and First Nations alike.

“We believe the recent changes to the Mining Act still do not fully acknowledge the rights of First Nations,” Louttit said in a press release. “Government, the mining companies and the public have to wake up to the harsh reality that First Nations are here.”

“We are unique, we are different, we have Treaty Rights and (government and industry) should know that consultation and consent are critical and mandatory for any activity on our homelands,” Louttit added. “Yes, there may be 133 different approaches to consultation but the cold reality is: nothing will happen until governments and companies realize this.”

Phase two of Ontario’s new mining act started to take effect on Nov. 1. Under the changes the province will inform all affected First Nations when a claim on traditional lands has been staked, and companies are required to consult First Nations identified by Ontario.

Leaders plan trades school for NAN students – by Rick Garrick (Wawatay News – November 21, 2012)

November 22, 2012

Northern Ontario’s First Nations Voice: http://wawataynews.ca/

A First Nations trade school is on the horizon after Deputy Grand Chief Goyce Kakegamic met with international aid agencies, mining companies and education officials on Nov. 16.

“Canada is opening immigration due to a shortage of skilled workers and the mining sector is bringing skilled workers from all over the country — two weeks in, two weeks out,” Kakegamic said after the meeting with about 30 international aid, mining sector and education representatives at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School in Thunder Bay. “We have a lot of able bodies walking around in our territory. No one is going to do it for us; we are the ones that have to provide that avenue to (ensure) our students have the aspiration to go that route.”

Kakegamic said the trade school would provide an option for high school students who are interested in a career in trades.

“If they have a reachable goal (in trades), that would motivate them to attendance, that would motivate them to apply more in literacy and numeracy,” Kakegamic said. “That will give them the motivation to excel, and they can excel if you give them an opportunity.”

Kakegamic said the trade school would be focused on a variety of trades, such as carpentry, mechanical and other skilled trades, in addition to mining-specific trades.

Summary of Points North interviews about Solid Gold/First Nations Sudbury controversy – CBC Radio Sudbury (November 7 – 12, 2012)

November 22, 2012

http://www.cbc.ca/pointsnorth/

Points North interview Jason Turnbull conducted the following interviews after junior miner Solid Gold’s CEO and President Darryl Stretch gave a controversial presentation at the Ontario Prospectors Symposium in Sudbury Ontario on November 7, 2012. During that presentation, Mr. Stretch was accused of using disrespectful and racist language towards First Nations communities.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 – Tensions continue between First Nation and mining company

Mining can be a contentious issue in the north.

Click here for Wahgoshig Chief Dave Babin and NAN Grand Chief Harvey Yesno interviews: http://www.cbc.ca/video/news/audioplayer.html?clipid=2301643232

Thursday November 8, 2012 – Solid Gold responds to First Nations concerns

First Nation in the northeast raise concerns over comments made by Solid Gold president.

Click here for Solid Gold’s CEO and President Darryl Stretch and NAN Grand Chief Harvey Yesno interviews: http://www.cbc.ca/video/news/audioplayer.html?clipid=2302189668

NEWS RELEASE: Minister Oliver: Responsible Resource Development Contributes to Jobs for Aboriginal Peoples Across Canada

November 20, 2012

TORONTO, ONTARIO — (Marketwire) — 11/19/12 — The Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today highlighted the importance of Responsible Resource Development to jobs for Aboriginal peoples and Canada’s economy. The Minister discussed how the Federal Government’s plans will contribute to further increasing Aboriginal people’s participation in the mining and exploration sector.

“The Harper Government is fully committed to supporting Canadian jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity,” said Minister Oliver. “Our plans support the 31,000 Aboriginal peoples employed in our natural resources sector and will result in opportunities for thousands more.”

The Mining Association of Canada estimates that 7.5 percent of Canadians employed in mining are Aboriginal – making mining Canada’s largest private employer of Aboriginal peoples.

“This government is demonstrating leadership that is resulting in new economic opportunities for Aboriginal communities across Canada,” said Minister Oliver. “Our commitment to creating new markets and keeping taxes low is contributing to an estimated 600 projects over the next 10 years that will increase Aboriginal jobs and economic benefits.”

The mining sector expects to hire approximately 100,000 additional workers over the next decade to coincide with new natural resources projects. Responsible Resource Development strengthens support specifically for Aboriginal peoples by:

Transformative Impact: Mining and Canadian First Nations – by Joe Oliver, Canadian Natural Resources Minister (November 19, 2012)

November 20, 2012

The Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources opening remarks at the Canadian Aboriginal Mineral Association Conference in Toronto, Canada, November 19, 2012.

Check Against Delivery

Thank you very much, Bill, and ladies and gentlemen. First, let me say how much I appreciated the welcome and the prayer from Elder Garry Sault of Mississaugas of New Credit who have welcomed us into their traditional territory. I’d also like to acknowledge Hans Matthews, President of the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association, Aboriginal leaders and chiefs in attendance this morning. My thanks to CAMA and the Canada Forum for their invitation to share a few words and to be part of your 20th anniversary celebrations. I’m delighted to join you this morning.

Permettez-moi d’abord de remercier l’Association canadienne des minéraux pour les autochtones et leur Forum canadien pour l’amiable invitation à prononcer quelques mots et à participer aux célébrations de votre 20e anniversaire. Je suis vraiment enchanté d’être parmi vous ce matin.

I applaud your association for increasing understanding and awareness among industry, Aboriginal communities and government about the knowledge and expertise that First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities bring to the mining sector across our great country.

Mining can have a wonderfully transformative impact on Aboriginal communities and indeed all communities. Let me give you a small anecdote.

Mining and racism – by Roger J. King (Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal – November 14, 2012)

November 14, 2012

The Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal is the daily newspaper of Northwestern Ontario.

Re OPA Wants to Clear the Air — CJ, Nov. 9:

With all due respect I must disagree with Gary Clarke who claims there is no racism in the Ontario Prospectors Association. I was a member of the Northwestern Ontario Prospectors Association for many years in the late ’90s, an umbrella member of the OPA. Being light skinned, many of the prospectors did not know I was an Indian from Gull Bay.

I attended the monthly meetings where I witnessed a number of stereotypical racial comments. I did not have the fortitude to stand to speak up for myself then. No one in the executive in those meetings got up to intervene on those comments, including Mr. Clark who was present at many of them.

By no means am I painting all those prospectors present as racist. It appeared this was part of the group dynamics as the 30-or-so members conducted business.

I recalled incidents of race relations I grew up with. After I graduated high school I went to university in eastern Ontario where there was very little discrimination against Indians.

No racism in mining firm’s actions with native band – by Peter Best (Opinion Letters) (Sudbury Star – November 24, 2012) Wednesday, November 14, 2012

November 14, 2012

The Sudbury Star is the City of Greater Sudbury’s daily newspaper.

Re: Miners racist, natives charge — Nov. 8.

This article was shockingly unfair and inaccurate towards Solid Gold Resources. Wahgoshig Chief Dave Babin says his band is taking a legal and principled position to defend their rights. That’s fine. But when Solid Gold takes a legal and principled position to defend their rights, he disgracefully accuses it of waging a “racist media campaign” against them, the better to shut down free speech on this important issue and avoid any critical inquiry of his and his band’s behaviour.

And Chief Babin’s assertion that the Ontario government is somehow supporting Solid Gold in this is false. The Ontario government allied itself with Wahgoshig in the original injunction proceeding, where it was Wahgoshig and the Ontario government on the one side, and little Solid Gold on the other (its shares are now trading at under three cents thanks to Wahgoshig and Ontario).

Solid Gold sought and was granted leave to appeal the injunction ruling. In its court filings, the Ontario government again supported Wahgoshig, arguing that it, and therefore its de facto delegatee, Solid Gold, had a duty to consult Wahgoshig, which Solid Gold failed to meet. Solid Gold argued, as was its right, that it didn’t have a duty to consult — that the 2004 Supreme Court judgment referred to in the article, (called Haida Nation), did not extend through the Crown to exploration companies like Solid Gold with already-existing rights under previously and validly staked claims.

First Nations hold veto over resource development – by Barbara Yaffe (Vancouver Sun – November 12, 2012)

November 12, 2012

http://www.vancouversun.com/index.html

Governments and corporate Canada remain in denial about a new reality: aboriginal groups hold veto power over resource development.

In his just-published book, Resource Rulers; Fortune and Folly on Canada’s Road to Resources, Bill Gallagher reviews the legal victories natives have toted up since the 1980s, and draws an intriguing conclusion.

He says it’s no longer enough for companies to merely consult on resource projects, they need to invite aboriginals to become partners and co-managers in proposed developments.

Gallagher, a Kitchener resident who has worked as an oil-patch lawyer and treaty negotiator, calls the situation “the biggest under-reported business story of the last decade.” He personally has counted up “well over” 150 legal wins for native groups, all based on provisions outlined in Canada’s Constitution.

“The native legal winning streak now simply has to be fundamentally and constructively addressed, both nationally and regionally .”

That message was reinforced last week by Assembly of First Nations chief Shawn Atleo, speaking at a gathering north of Thunder Bay. Atleo said aboriginals are prepared to take care of themselves financially, using revenue from resources they believe they own.