Mussel White

Musselwhite Coordinator:  

Angus Woodford

Musselwhite Agreement

The last fiscal year marked the transition year for the Musselwhite Program, as the first 5-year Agreement ended in February 2001. During this time, the negotiations for an agreement continued with Placer Dome Canada. The following outlines some of the highlights of the Musselwhite Program activities.

Agreement Re-negotiation

Emphasis was placed on the new agreement negotiations with Placer Dome Canada, which commenced in December 2000 and concluded in November 2001. The signatory First Nations were fully involved in the negotiations and provided valuable contributions. An important component of the new agreement was the revenue sharing, setting a precedent for application in future natural resource related agreements dealing with mining, forestry, tourism and energy.

The provincial and federal governments did not sign the new agreement; however, submissions were made to them on outstanding obligations and their future role in the agreement. It was indicated that they would continue to provide support to the agreement and would be willing to make commitments through a letter of understanding.

Implementation

Initial implementation plans were formulated to reflect the commitments made in the new agreement.

Environmental Protection

The Environmental Working committee participated regularly in meetings. Their main function is to engage on an on-going basis in the monitoring of the activities of the company that may impact the environment in the mine site and vicinity. The heritage and cultural sites and First Nation values were monitored to prevent desecration and disturbance.

Activities included: First Nation participation in bird and fish studies, reviewing independent baseline studies (field assessments), refinement of its role as members of an environmental monitoring committee and working to ensure that appropriate mitigation measures are done on accident sites (e.g., Bombardier falling through the ice).

Employment and Training

The employment levels have remained constant, close to the target numbers; however, due to the influx of contract workers, and, because of the conveyor project and other pertinent projects, the company had difficulty meeting employment requirements. First Nation employees are filling apprenticeship positions. Initial preparatory work was done in setting up possible continuing education opportunities for First Nation members who wish to seek employment at the mine.

On-going training opportunities were available in all areas of the mine, including the underground and the mill. The company also undertook training for employees of catering and housekeeping, which are Windigo First Nations' contracts.

Economic and Business Development

Some on-going businesses that are being monitored are the Weagamow Air contract, Windigo Catering and Housekeeping, Cat Lake Laundromat, and Ojijakoes janitorial services. Other contracts that have been realized by the Windigo communities are: construction of the tailings upgrade, security, and exploration/ line cutting.

Worker Support

First Nations employees that experience work related problems were assisted. This includes providing advocacy, and responding to allegations of racial discrimination, unsafe working environments, unfair work promotions and improper terminations. On-going work is being provided to ensure employment retention and training programs are successful. Assistance was provided for employees away from the mine site through apprenticeship training programs.

Golden Patricia Project

On-going work is being provided for the closure of the Golden Patricia Mine by ensuring the company responsible closes the mine properly and to environmental standards. Technical assistance and coordination was provided to Cat Lake and Slate Falls First Nations and their trappers in the sun-setting of the general and trappers' compensation agreements.

Assistance was provided to ensure the company was complying with the closure requirements as much as possible. Safety concerns were monitored. The negotiations of a settlement with Barrick Gold Corporation continued and were concluded. The company agreed to settle the outstanding and future obligations. The property will revert back to the provincial government sometime in 2002.