New Mining Guidelines Aim to Improve Consultation with Yukon First Nations

Friday, 1 March 2019 12:58

Yukon's Victoria Gold Mine is one project in the territory currently underway (Photo courtesy of Victoria Gold Corp.)

The Yukon Chamber of Mines have recently launched a new First Nations engagement website, app and guidebook around mining in the territory.

Yukon Chamber of Mines has launched a new First Nations app, guidebook and Yukon Mineral Engagement website for mineral operations in the territory.

Yukon Chamber of Mines says the tools will help answer industry questions around First Nations engagement in mineral development.

The resources will also provide an overview of each transboundary Yukon First Nations, and clarify consultation roles around responsible mineral development.

Council of Yukon First Nation Grand Chief Peter Johnston says the resources help a lay out a clear expectation by Yukon First Nations for mining companies operating in the territory.

"They (mining companies) truly need to understand not only their responsibilities, but the political climate in the territory in regards to our agreements here. The more that we can come together and have an open line of communication which the toolbook stresses, the more we can work in the best interest of the communities and the parties involved."

Johnston says he's looking forward to seeing how the mining material will provide better consultation with Yukon First Nations.

"I'm excited to seeing the release of it and hopefully it'll be exactly what we want it to be, an in-depth guide to mining companies that are coming to our territory."

The Yukon Chamber of Mines held bi-annual roundtable discussions with Yukon First Nation staff during development of the guide, and interviews from Yukon government officials and mineral industry representatives were also used in the making of the material.

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Yukon government's department of Energy, Mines and Resources both helped in the funding of the project.

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