Métis Nation partners with NexGen for future mine opportunities

The Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (MN-S) is looking to the future and what benefits might come from future mine projects on its recognized land.

It has signed an Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) with NexGen Energy for the Rook 1 Project, which is the first stage of a proposed new uranium mill and mine in northwestern Saskatchewan on Métis land.

The agreement not only provides for a collaboration on environmental concerns but provides for training, employment and business opportunities for the Métis Nation along with royalty payments for shared wealth.

“After a century of our lands being developed without consideration of our people, it was important that we came together as one Region and one Nation to change the status quo and become a partner in the development of the Rook I Project,” Leonard Montgrand, the regional director of MN-S Northern Region II, said in a release.

“The IBA provides processes for continuous engagement on a breadth of important topics, including environmental and social concerns, human resources, and support for Métis businesses.”

The Métis Nation hopes an agreement of this type would be the way forward in how business and Indigenous people work together as the province continues to develop its natural resources.

“This is a landmark agreement for the entire Métis Nation and an excellent example of what can be achieved when we work together. The modern governance structure of the Métis Nation in Saskatchewan is relatively new but has seen a string of recent successes that many thought were impossible,” MN-S president Glen McCallum said in the release.

“It is our understanding that this will be, by far, the largest Métis impact and benefit agreement in Canadian history, in recognition of our large and vibrant Métis community and our rights and interests over the land. Under the IBA, the Rook I Project will provide much-needed resources and opportunities to Northern Region II and leave a substantial legacy that can continue after the mine has closed and the lands have been restored.”

It is an approach NexGen leadership agrees with.

“The signing of this agreement is a testament to the trust and respect that has been established between NexGen, the seven Métis Locals of Northern Region II and the MN-S to work in partnership with the mutual objective of responsibly developing the Rook I Project,” said Leigh Curyer, NexGen’s chief executive officer.

The Rook 1 Project remains in the developmental stage, with the Ministry of Environment currently reviewing the environmental impact of the project.