Mishkeegogamang Ojibway First Nation & Goldcorp Sign a Cooperation Agreement
Goldcorp’s policy is to identify and, where possible, to create partnerships with First Nations communities.
By: Colin Webster, Director, Aboriginal, Government and Community Relations – Canada & USA
Goldcorp’s policy is to identify and, where possible, to create partnerships with First Nations communities. The recent cooperation agreement made between Musselwhite and The Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation is another example of Goldcorp’s commitment to creating shared value with Aboriginal communities to support a vision of economic independence and entrepreneurship. This agreement joins the list of successful collaborations with other First Nations, including the James Bay Cree and the Lac Seul First Nation, amongst others.
On January 22th, 2014, The Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation signed a Cooperation Agreement with Goldcorp establishing the basis for both parties to work together with respect to company activities in the ”Mish” traditional territory.
The Cooperation Agreement set out the terms of employment and training opportunities, business opportunities, ongoing communication, and financial contribution to the community and local land users affected by Goldcorp’s Musselwhite Mine. The Musselwhite Mine situated near Opapimiskan Lake in the Province of Ontario has operated since 1997. A portion of the Mine’s access road and ancillary facilities, including a power line, cross through the Mish traditional territory located in the vicinity of Pickle Lake Ontario.
“We are very pleased that an agreement has been reached and look forward to its implementation” said Mish Chief Gray-McKay, “It is important that companies, whose activities may impact our community or our traditional lands, work with us to conclude appropriate agreements which require our consent for such activities. We appreciate the commitment and respectful approach the company has taken.”
Bill Gascon, General Manager of Goldcorp’s Musselwhite Mine said “Goldcorp Musselwhite Mine has a history of successfully working in cooperation with local First Nations. We look forward to the successful implementation of the agreement with Mishkeegogamang First Nation.”
The new agreement between Goldcorp and Mish builds on the long-standing relationship between the two parties and is based on mutual respect, cooperation and coexistence. A series of local consultations generated broad and deep support for the agreement.
For more information on Goldcorp’s First Nations partnerships please visit our website:
