Agreement benefits Goldcorp, First Nations – by Ron Grech (Timmins Daily Press – November 25, 2014)

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

TIMMINS – Porcupine Gold Mines has signed an historic resource development agreement with four local First Nation communities.

“What it does is pave the way for the future of the operations so it allows for business opportunities, it allows for employment and training, it allows for some help with education and what it allows is for consultation,” explained Marc Lauzier, mine general manager at Goldcorp’s Porcupine Gold Mines. “It sets a good system for us to consult with the communities, listen to the communities, and to make sure we consider all of their concerns in our future plans and our future operations.

“In the absence of this agreement,” he added, “it would definitely make it difficult to apply for permits to bring on new projects or modify closure plans.”

The four Aboriginal communities that co-signed the agreement are Mattagami First Nation, Wahgoshig First Nation, Matachewan First Nation and Flying Post First Nation.

The formal signing, held at Cedar Meadows Resort in Timmins on Monday, followed traditional Aboriginal ceremonies, smudging and drumming.

Under the agreement, Goldcorp recognizes and respects Aboriginal rights and interests in the area of the Porcupine Gold Mines operation and the four First Nation communities recognize and support Goldcorp’s rights and interests in the operation and future development of the mine.

The agreement includes provisions for training, employment, business and contracting opportunities along with a consultation framework for regulatory permitting. Scholarship and bursary opportunities will also be provided for the youth of Mattagami, Wahgoshig, Matachewan and Flying Post First Nations.

The agreement also reflects Goldcorp’s commitment to protecting the environment.

Chief Murray Ray of Flying Post First Nation hailed the signing as “an important milestone for our First Nation as it validates what our ancestors said in the treaty signing. Our connection to the land is being recognized. This signing also gives our people hope for the future, as this partnership gives us an opportunity to become more self-sufficient so that our families and children can have a better future. This was what our grandfathers and ancestors wanted when they agreed to the treaty.”

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