Partnering for the Community: Sagamok and Xstrata

Chief Paul Eshkakogan, Sagamok Anishnawbek and Marc Boissoneault, Xstrata Nickel sign a Memorandum of Understanding May 10th, 2011 at Sagamok

Readers of Our Times will be familiar with the fact Stonecircle client Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation has in recent years been engaged in discussions with mining exploration and development companies planning or conducting operations within Sagamok’s traditional territory, a large area that encompasses the Spanish River watershed on the north shore of Lake Huron in Ontario. Alex Ker of Stonecircle has been working with Sagamok to facilitate mining industry and government relations, negotiations and capacity building for participation in the resource development sector.

On May 10th Chief Paul Eshkakogan of Sagamok and Marc Boissoneault, President of Xstrata Nickel signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formally commence a relationship between the First Nation and one of Sudbury’s largest mining companies. The MOU establishes a foundation for a working relationship between the two parties, focusing on communication, information sharing, employment and training, and the environment. The signing ceremony was attended by members of Council and the community, representatives of Xstrata Nickel and members of the teams involved in MOU negotiations. 

Sagamok Anishnawbek, a signatory to the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850, is located on the north shore of Lake Huron, approximately 80 km west of Sudbury. Sagamok has a total registered population of 2,636, of whom approximately 58% live on reserve. The community is situated within one of the most active mineral resource areas in Canada. In recent years mineral exploration activity in Sagamok’s traditional territory has increased significantly with the staking of mining claims by several companies.