The Northlands Dënesuliné First Nation at Lac Brochet and theprovince have agreed on a process for consultation regarding existing mineral explorationlicences and future exploration activities in Northlands' traditional territory. Northlands Chief Joe Dantouze and Mines Minister Jim Rondeauand signed the consultation protocol and accord June 3 inLac Brochet. The Crown-First Nation Consultation Protocol is the first of its kind in Manitoba and was jointly developedbetween Northlands and the province with the technical and legal assistanceof the Natural Resources Secretariat of the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, Inc. (MKO) and thePublic Interest Law Centre of Legal Aid Manitoba.
The Consultation Protocol is a framework to guide the consultation process between the province and Northlands regarding existing mineral exploration licences and future mineral exploration activities underthose licences in Northlands' traditional territory.A joint consultation team made up of Northlands andprovincial representatives will review the potential impact that existing mineral exploration licences andmineral exploration activities might have on Northland's treaty and aboriginal rights and will also identifyaccommodation measures to address potential effects on Northlands' rights.
Can-Alaska Uranium, in cooperation with Chinese mining partners Allway Minerals and ScienceTechnology Co. Ltd., wants to invest $30 million in mineral exploration in Northlands' Traditional Territoryin the coming months. "Through the consultation and accommodation process, Northlands will work to make sure that anymineral exploration in our territory can bring opportunities to the area and provide employment for ourDene people", says Dantouze.
"The accord and consultation protocol will help us buildpartnerships with CanAlaska and other companies and will ensure the people of Northlands participate inexploration projects and in the mines and minerals industry in our territory while protecting our people, ourtraditional lands, our culture and our rights," added Dantouze.
The accord includes initiatives forreplacing diesel fuel for power in the community and for improved transportation in the area.
Northlandsand the province will also examine possible changes to the ManitobaMines and Minerals Act.
The Northlands Dënes??iné First Nation is located 240 kilometres northwest of Thompson 1,000 kilometres north of Winnipeg.
Lac Brochet is a community of 965 Dene residents and is themost northerly community in Manitoba, situated near the borders of Saskatchewan, Nunavut and theNorthwest Territories.
