SASKATOON — Metis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) is pleased to announce that an Impact Benefit Agreement (“IBA”) has been signed between Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (“MN–S”), including all seven Métis Locals of Northern Region II (together with MN–S, the “Métis Nation”) and NexGen Energy Ltd. (“NexGen”).
The IBA for the proposed Rook Iuranium mine and mill development project in Northwestern Saskatchewan was signed in Saskatoon at a ceremony attended by the presidents of each of the seven signatory Métis Locals, Northern Region II Regional Director Leonard Montgrand, MN–S President Glen McCallum, MN–S Vice-President and Minister of Lands and Environment Michelle LeClair, MN–S CEO Richard Quintal, MN–S COO Matt Vermette, NexGen President and Chief Executive Officer Leigh Curyer, and Vice-President Community Adam Engdahl.
NexGen’s Rook I Project is located in the Métis Homeland on lands subject to the Northwest Saskatchewan Métis land claim. IBA negotiations started in 2019 and were advanced under a “One Voice” model where the seven Locals of Northern Region II defined the negotiation objectives and MN–S supported and collaborated throughout.
Landmark IBA with the Métis Nation
The IBA provides Métis Nation support for the development of the Rook I Project, commitments to collaborate in respect of environmental and social concerns, and the sharing of benefits. The scope of benefits provided under the IBA remain confidential but include processes and commitments for Métis training, employment, and business opportunities, as well as a royalty payment which will allow NexGen and the Métis Nation to share in the wealth extracted from the Métis Homeland. The IBA does not define or amend, recognize, affirm, abrogate, derogate from, or deny the existence of any Métis rights, but rather is entered into in recognition of such rights.
“This is an important agreement and a milestone in the history of the Métis of Northern Region II and of the broader Métis Nation,” Leonard Montgrand, regional director of MN–S Northern Region II, commented.
“The IBA goes a long way to recognize Métis as a rights-holding people who have strong and ancestral connections to the land. After a century of our lands being developed without consideration of our people, it was important that we came together as one Region and one Nation to change the status quo and become a partner in the development of the Rook I Project. The IBA provides processes for continuous engagement on a breadth of important topics, including environmental and social concerns, human resources, and support for Métis businesses. But the opportunities from the IBA go beyond the collaboration, employment, business, and financial capacity. NexGen’s commitments in the IBA will set a new standard for how industry recognizes Métis rights and engages with the Métis Nation, and will provide us with tools and resources to protect our lands, animals and resources across Northern Region II.”
“I wish to congratulate Northern Region II and NexGen for all the work involved in resolving the IBA Glen McCallum, president of MN–S, said.
“This is a landmark agreement for the entire Métis Nation and an excellent example of what can be achieved when we work together. The modern governance structure of the Métis Nation in Saskatchewan is relatively new but has seen a string of recent successes that many thought were impossible. In 2018 we signed the Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation, which provided a pathway for a negotiated resolution of the Northwest Saskatchewan Métis land claim. In 2019 we signed the Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreement with Canada which set a new standard for the recognition of the Métis Nation. Among these, and many other transformative accomplishments, we are proud to add the IBA with NexGen.
“It is our understanding that this will be, by far, the largest Métis impact and benefit agreement in Canadian history, in recognition of our large and vibrant Métis community and our rights and interests over the land. Under the IBA, the Rook I Project will provide much-needed resources and opportunities to Northern Region II and leave a substantial legacy that can continue after the mine has closed and the lands have been restored.”
“The signing of this agreement is a testament to the trust and respect that has been established between NexGen, the seven Métis Locals of Northern Region II and the MN–S to work in partnership with the mutual objective of responsibly developing the Rook I Project.” said Leigh Curyer, chief executive officer of NexGen.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank Leonard Montgrand, his board and the entire MN–S engagement team for their diligence and commitment toward finalizing this industry-leading Agreement alongside NexGen for the benefit of their membership.”
