Kapuskasing Gold has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with four area First Nations, while simultaneously receiving exploration permits from the Ministry of Development and Mines.
Kapuskasing Gold signed an MOU with Brunswick House, Chapleau Cree, Chapleau Ojibwe and Flying Post First Nations with respect to the company’s gold exploration projects located near the town of Chapleau.
The MOU establishes the desire for First Nations and Kapuskasing Gold to work together, creating a long-term, mutually beneficial, co-operative and respectful relationship with the spirit of social, ecological, cultural, and economic well-being. The MOU also signals a commitment by KAP to identify opportunities for businesses and citizens of the four communities to participate in the company’s exploration activities through business, employment and training opportunities.
“We are pleased to begin building a relationship with the First Nations with the successful negotiation and execution of this MOU acknowledging their rights, traditional values and culture,” Dean Nawata, company president, said in a release.
“We look forward to working with the communities, having their input and advice in order to maintain a socially and environmentally responsible exploration program. The company would also like to acknowledge and thank the Wabun Tribal Council for their role in facilitating a smooth process with the First Nations communities and government bodies.”
Shawn Batise, executive director of the Wabun Tribal Council, called Kapuskasing Gold’s approach in engaging the First Nations “proactive.”
“The MOU outlines opportunities for social, environmental and economic participation with Kapuskasing Gold’s exploration projects,” Batise said. “Our experience working with Kapuskasing Gold illustrates the positive results achieved when industry and First Nations work together towards a common goal. We look forward to following Kapuskasing Gold’s progress through the development of their exploration projects.”
Kapuskasing Gold has six gold properties located along extensions of the Destor-Porcupine or Borden Gold project. All of the properties, with the exception of Rollo, are situated within the Kapuskasing structural zones and have potential similarities to Goldcorp's Borden Gold project.
