E.G. First Nations Agreement with Exploration Company
posted on
Jan 30, 2013 02:43PM
(PRESS PROFILE TAB FOR FACT SHEET & UPDATES)
By way of example, FYI here is a copy of an exploration agreement announced today between the Predator group of companies and the Kaska Nation in Southern Yukon/Northern BC. Northern natives are asserting title but are not averse to development where there are clear benefits. Ike
http://app.quotemedia.com/quotetools/newsStoryPopup.go?storyId=57635067&cp=off&webmasterId=101020
WHITEHORSE, YT, Jan. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - The Kaska Nation, as represented by Ross River Dena Council and the Liard First Nation, and the Predator Group represented by Golden Predator Corp. (TSX:GPD), Golden Predator Canada Corp., Redtail Metals Corp. (TSX.V:RTZ) and Silver Predator Corp. (TSX:SPD) announced today that they have signed an Exploration Agreement with respect to activities within the traditional territory of the Kaska Nation. This agreement represents the first of its kind in the Yukon between the Kaska Nation and a group of mining companies.
The Kaska Nation and the Predator Group companies are entering into this Agreement to promote a cooperative and mutually respectful relationship in respect of Golden Predator, Redtail Metals and Silver Predator's exploration projects located within the Kaska Nation's traditional territory. The Agreement is focused on exploration activities and does not apply to development and production of mining properties. The Agreement also lays the foundation for the process for the development of a Socio Economic Participation Agreement upon the advancement towards mineral production decisions of all properties within the Predator Group companies.
Highlights of the Agreement include:
The Traditional Knowledge Protocol for the Grew Creek Project is a component of the Kaska-Predator Group Agreement and will be amended to be a component for all exploration agreements.
"This is an exciting development for the Kaska Nation. Kaska people are always willing to support responsible mining, when the proponents are willing to respect our citizens and communities," said Chief Liard McMillan of the Liard First Nation. "This agreement demonstrates that the Predator Group is willing to be the leader in industry and work respectfully and cooperatively with the Kaska Nation, who still hold aboriginal title to these wonderful lands, and to share in the benefits of exploration. We are pleased to also have a process for resolving issues surrounding the Company's mining claims at Frances Lake."
Chief Brian Ladue of Ross River First Nation commented, "It is through these Agreements that the Predator Group secures Kaska support and our positive involvement in their activities. This Agreement with the Predator Group is important as they have demonstrated respect for our lands and our people."
"We are proud to enter this Agreement with the Kaska Nation and continue to honour our commitment to be leaders in the Yukon through our working relationship with communities and First Nations," said William M. Sheriff, Golden Predator Chairman and CEO. "This agreement brings demonstrable value to our shareholders while also working to build wealth for communities, First Nations and all Yukoners.
About the Kaska Nation
The Kaska Nation includes five First Nation communities in the southeast Yukon and northern British Columbia including the Ross River Dena Council, the Liard First Nation and Daylu Dena Council, Dease River First Nation and Kwadacha First Nation. Their traditional territory covers 240,000 km2 of the Yukon, Northwest Territories and British Columbia. The Kaska have not signed a land claim agreement with Canada and Yukon and hold unsurrendered aboriginal rights and title to the Kaska Territory.