NexGold Mining Corp. (TSXV: NEXG) (OTCQX: NXGCF) (the “Company” or “NexGold”) and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (“WLON”) today announced a new Relationship Agreement (the “Agreement”) – a significant step towards Reconciliation and shared success in Canada’s mining sector. The Agreement compensates for historical exploration activities in the traditional territories of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and paves the way for improved First Nation participation in the future Goliath Gold Complex (“the Project”).
Jeremy Wyeth, CEO of NexGold, stated, “NexGold couldn’t be prouder to be embarking on this renewed relationship. As a company, we’re honoured to operate on the traditional lands of the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, and we are committed to working together meaningfully and respectfully throughout the life of the Project and beyond. This agreement reaffirms the importance of strong and progressive collaborations with First Nations in the mining industry.”
Chief Clayton Wetelainen, Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation said, “We are a modern First Nation focused on sustainability and economic opportunity. As we create new business relationships, we require new arrangements for all activities on our lands. We must protect our rights and interests, inherent in our original use and occupation of our traditional territory since time immemorial.”
The new Agreement supports a jointly developed framework for collaboration between NexGold and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation for the Goliath Gold Complex. Some of the significant commitments within the agreement include:
- Reconciliation measures that recognize and respect the inherent rights and Treaty and Aboriginal rights of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation;
- Capacity funding for continued engagement and consultation activities as well as agreed methods for information sharing and permit application reviews;
- The formation of a technical working group;
- New opportunities to maximize First Nation participation in Project activities through education, training, and mentorship opportunities;
- Interim benefits from Exploration and other activities at the Project; and;
- The negotiation of a life-of-mine agreement for the Goliath Gold Complex.
The 2024 Relationship Agreement replaces the long-standing Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) that was signed between Tamaka Gold Corporation and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation in 2011.
“NexGold looks forward to pursuing new approaches and innovative opportunities with Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation to strengthen our relationship,” said Rachel Pineault, Vice President of HR, Sustainability, NexGold. “We know that the Nation’s unique knowledge and guidance will bring tremendous benefits to the Goliath Gold Complex for the long term.”