File photo of MacArthur River Uranium mine site in northern Saskatchewan. (Photo 12575801 © Scott Prokop | Dreamstime.com)

By Teena Monteleone

New Partnership

Uranium exploration company signs agreement to ensure sustainable future for Athabasca Basin

Oct 16, 2023 | 2:57 PM

A company in the business of discovering uranium in northern Saskatchewan has signed an exploration agreement with a non-profit organization that protects the lands and waters of the Athabasca Basin and Treaty rights of the residents there.

Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources (YNLR) represents the Athabasca Denesułiné First Nations of Hatchet Lake, Black Lake, Fond du Lac and the Northern Hamlet of Stony Rapids, and the communities of Uranium City, Wollaston Lake and Camsell Portage. Linda McNabb, the human resources advisor for YNLR said the agreement with CanAlaska presents the communities with the potential of long-lasting benefits and economic development and capacity building opportunities.

“Historically, Indigenous people have not been involved in any exploration work that has taken place in Nuhenéné – which is the name of the Athabasca Denesułiné territory. So, this is just about us sitting at the table and being involved in and reaping some of the benefits of the work that is happening on our land,” said McNabb.

CanAlaska holds interest in approximately 350,000 hectares in the Athabasca Basin which they referred to in a press release as the ‘Saudi Arabia of Uranium.’ The company is currently working with Cameco and Denison at two properties in the eastern Athabasca Basin.

“As a leading explorer and generator of world-class projects in the Athabasca Basin, we value the strength that working in partnership with the people who call Nuhenéné home brings to our activities. In turn, by signing this agreement and engaging in respectful and meaningful ways with YNLR and their communities, we are proud to be able to contribute to their mission of protecting the land and promoting the people,” said Cory Belyk, CEO of CanAlaska.

Raiders AGM

Raiders impact on Prince Albert local economy continues to go up: AGM report

7h ago

Court proceedings

'The impact of this trauma will echo for generations': court case surrounding La Ronge woman's death reaches conclusion

Dec 11, 2024

Going Global

P.A.'s Zablocki named to Team Canada for U18 Women's World Championships

Dec 11, 2024

The exploration company will contribute to the Athabasca Community Trust. The dollar amount is protected under a confidentiality agreement, but McNabb said the trust is set up to promote and enhance environmental, social and cultural economic health.

“It sets out really strict rules about how the funds can be used and invested and who can access those funds,” said McNabb. “Proposals are submitted to community elected trustees who review it based on a number of criteria. Some of the permitted purposes include things like community planning, health and wellbeing of members and residents, community housing, infrastructure, the preservation and protection of language, culture and tradition…scholarships and community business development.”

McNabb added the Athabasca Denesułiné way of life is really connected to the health of the land and the way its resources are managed. So, in alignment with their environmental stewardship, there are community land technicians in the Athabasca Basin that conduct visits of exploration sites before the work starts, during and after the exploration is completed to ensure that the land is protected.

The exploration agreement between CanAlaska and YNLR also includes provisions related to northern businesses’ contracting opportunities and compensation for harvesters whose rights may be impacted by some of the exploration work.

—

teena.monteleone@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MonteleoneTeena