Canada’s largest mining company signs deal with northern First Nation

First Nation, Agnico, sign historic agreement Agnico Eagle has signed a deal with Beaverhouse First Nation committing to sustainable development, collaboration and reconciliation.

For the first time, Beaverhouse First Nation in Kirkland Lake has signed an agreement with a mining company.

The First Nation and Agnico Eagle said the agreement is a milestone that will provide opportunities to Beaverhouse First Nation for generations to come.

"Our values are very constructive and based on respect and listening and learning," said Andre Leite, Agnico's vice-president for Ontario.

"We've been, you know, operating Macassa Mine now close to a century and we're looking forward to continuing with this relationship for years to come."

"This is going to be, you know, fruitful for the membership long-term and that's what's important," said Chief Wayne Wabie of Beaverhouse First Nation.

"Generational planning and, you know, moving forward to ensure that our young people have a future because we are not going to be the ones to leave our territory."

The Macassa Mine is one of the highest gold grade mines in the world and Wabie said it offers a wide range of opportunities.

"You don't have to just be, you know, right into the bowels of hard rock mining," he said.

"You can be in management positions and those are the things that I think are going to help … keep our influence within the project itself."

Officials said negotiating the agreement was a positive experience. They said it only took six months when it typically takes two or more years.

"We really appreciate the work that was done by Chief Wabie and the counselors and the elders," said Leite.

"It’s a very collaborative relationship, which is great."

The two groups will now turn to negotiating a second agreement on Agnico Eagle’s Upper Beaver Project.