TAKU RIVER TLINGIT ENTER INTO A HISTORIC COLLABORATIVE ENGAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH CANAGOLD FOR THE NEW POLARIS SITE
March 29, 2023 –– Wèinaa (Atlin), BC –– The Taku River Tlingit First Nation and Canagold Resources Ltd. (TSX:CCM) have entered into a historic collaborative engagement agreement for the New Polaris gold exploration site on the Tulsequah River. The consent-based decision making process outlined in the agreement demonstrates that reconciliation, economic development and sustainable practices can go hand in hand within the T’akú Tlatsini Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA).
“Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN) is leading the way with mining company relationships. Consent agreements are beginning with our nation and our people.”
says Jìnìk (Charmaine Thom), Spokesperson for the Taku River Tlingit First Nation.
“This is the new standard TRTFN expects in our relationships with partners and developers.” “Canagold is pleased to announce a pioneering agreement with the Taku River Tlingit First Nation for the development of Canagold’s New Polaris project located in the traditional territory of the TRTFN” said Catalin Kilofliski, CEO of Canagold. “The arrangement puts our collaboration on a firm foundation and forges a path forward for our sustainable economic development in the spirit of mutual benefits, trust and environmental stewardship.”
“My congratulations to the Taku River Tlingit and Canagold for reaching this important milestone,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “It’s important to see respect, partnership and collaboration as cornerstones of a thriving natural resource sector in British Columbia. We understand that recognition of rights and title and consent-based decision-making are not only the pillars of reconciliation, they’re also bringing more predictability and stability to resource stewardship and responsible development, which benefits everyone.”
For the project to develop into an operational mine, provincial approval will be required, but more importantly it is contingent on the consent of the Taku River Tlingit (TRT) citizens. Consent will be established at a Joint Clan Meeting, where all TRT citizens will have the opportunity to vote on the decision.
The Collaborative Engagement Agreement provides capacity funding for TRTFN staff to fully engage with the company during their Feasibility and Environmental Assessment processes.
There is much work to be done before a Joint Clan Meeting decision. Starting with a
comprehensive TRT citizen engagement strategy which will include meetings to inform the citizens of the ongoing work, potential impacts, mitigation plans and benefits of developing the site into an operational mine to enable for a free, prior and informed decision regarding the project.
Canagold is excited at the opportunity to set a new standard of partnership with indigenous communities to achieve a higher level of sustainable mining practices. Canagold has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to good relations with the Nation over the years. This has included local employment throughout the exploration phase, site visits for staff and citizens, and open sharing of project information.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with Canagold and crown regulators with respect to sustainable resource extraction and economic development in our territory” says Thom.
