David Cates, President and CEO of Denison speaking at the press conference announcing the Exploration Agreement. (submitted photo/Melody Lynch)

By Nigel Maxwell

Economic prosperity

Freshly signed exploration agreement to benefit Athabasca First Nations and municipalities

Oct 19, 2022 | 5:00 PM

The ink is still drying on a new exploration agreement that could have a widespread economic impact across the province’s northwest.

Ya’ thi Néné Lands and Resources (YNLR) and Denison Mines Corp. (Denison) announced plans to establish a long-term, meaningful partnership between YNLR, Denison, and the seven Athabasca Basin communities.

Mary Denechezhe, board chair from Ya’ thi Néné, was in Prince Albert Wednesday for the announcement, and explained their communities want to participate in and benefit from projects happening on their lands, adding historically that has not always been the case.

“This Exploration Agreement will provide certainty to our Basin communities that there will be meaningful engagement on proposed projects and monitoring of exploration activities to ensure the environment and all Treaty Rights are respected,” she said. “The economic benefits will help to strengthen our communities in the Basin. We acknowledge and respect Denison’s leadership in advancing reconciliation with our communities.”

Ya’ thi Néné, Denison, and community representatives all signing the Exploration Agreement. (submitted photo/ Melody Lynch)

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David Cates, President and CEO of Denison, explained the agreement formalizes years of work that Denison and Ya’ thi Néné Lands and Resources have undertaken together in the spirit of collaboration, resulting in several notable achievements, including the renaming of Waterbury Lake’s J Zone deposit to Tthe Heldeth Túé in honour of the Denesułiné Territory in which the deposit is located.

“Our past and present actions demonstrate a mutual willingness to engage in positive business practices that advance reconciliation, and this Exploration Agreement further codifies how the principles expressed in Denison’s Indigenous Peoples Policy will guide our activities in the Nuhenéné into the future,” he said.

Communities and territories benefitting from the new agreement include Hatchet Lake Denesułiné First Nation, Black Lake Denesułiné First Nation, Fond du Lac Denesułiné First Nation, and the municipalities of Stony Rapids, Uranium City, Wollaston Lake, and Camsell Portage.

“This Agreement represents a very important milestone toward establishing respectful and mutually beneficial relationships that will lead to long-term benefits for our community members,” Hatchet Lake Chief Bart Tsannie said. “The increased training, employment and business opportunities, along with the financial contributions will help to strengthen our communities and create a better future for our children, while protecting our rights and our lands.”

Meanwhile Fond du Lac First Nation Chief Kevin Mercredi said increased participation and the benefits from projects happening on their Traditional Territory, will help to meet the needs of the growing First Nation and neighbouring communities in the Athabasca Basin.

“This Agreement represents a meaningful step forward in reconciliation, respect for Indigenous rights, and in providing opportunities for our people,” he said.

YNLR, a non-profit organization owned by the seven communities of the Nuhenéné, will provide oversight and implementation of the Agreement that aligns with their mandate to protect the land and promote the people.

This will include active site monitoring by YNLR Community Land Technicians in locations where exploration activities are agreed to take place.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

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