Osisko and Métis Nation of Ontario Sign Memorandum of Understanding
April 3, 2012
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Osisko Mining Corporation (“Osisko” or the “Company”) (OSK:TSX, EWX: Deutsche Boerse) is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Osisko Hammond Reef Gold Ltd., and the Métis Nation of Ontario (“MNO”) have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) to guide their working relationship in regard to the development of the Hammond Reef gold project in northwestern Ontario.
The MOU sets out the way in which the local Métis community, as represented by MNO’s Treaty #3/Lake of the Woods/Lac Seul/Rainy River/Rainy Lake Consultation Committee and the Community Councils that are a part of the Committee, will be consulted regarding the development of the project and commits the parties to working together to address any potential impacts the project may have on Métis rights, interests and way of life. The Consultation Committee is made up of Joel Henley (President, Kenora Métis Council), Alvina Cimon (President, Northwest Métis Council), Marlene Davidson (President, Atikokan Métis Council), the President of Sunset Country Métis Council, the Region One Captain of the Hunt, and Regional Councillor Theresa Stenlund as Chair.
“This agreement is an important step in building a mutually respectful and sustainable relationship between the Métis community and Osisko Hammond Reef Gold Ltd. in relation to the Hammond Reef gold project. It sets out a consultation process through which Osisko Hammond Reef Gold Ltd. can engage with the Métis Community at the local and regional levels in order to better understand Métis rights and interests that may be impacted in the local area around the project, through, amongst other things, completing a traditional knowledge study and a technical review of the project”, said MNO President Gary Lipinski.
Sean Roosen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Osisko added: "The signing of this MOU is the result of a respectful consultation process between the signatories. This agreement represents a milestone in our continuing working relationship with all the local communities in the region and underscores Osisko's commitment to continue developing a strong relationship with Aboriginal people”.
MNO Regional Councilor Theresa Stenlund, commented, “Our community looks forward to continuing to work with Osisko Hammond Reef Gold Ltd. in a positive and productive manner. The MNO has worked hard with Osisko Hammond Reef Gold Ltd. and we are happy to move forward and are proud of our positive relationship and successful negotiations. There is a real need for economic development in the northwest, and we see MNO’s involvement with Osisko Hammond Reef Gold Ltd. as an opportunity to foster opportunities for Métis businesses and citizens, while protecting our traditional values and way of life.”
Subject to the project impacts on Métis rights and interests (if identified through the consultation process), the parties also agreed to negotiate an IBA based on the goals and objectives of the MOU.
About MNO
The MNO represents the Métis people and Métis communities within Ontario through a province-wide governance structure at the local, regional and provincial levels. For more information on the MNO as well as its framework for government and companies to consult with Métis communities in Ontario visit www.metisnation.org.
About Osisko Mining Corporation
Osisko Mining Corporation operates the Canadian Malartic Mine in Malartic, Québec and is pursuing exploration on a number of properties, including the Hammond Reef gold project in Northern Ontario. On August 13, 2010, Osisko completed its acquisition of Brett Resources Inc.,following a friendly takeover offer announced on March 22, 2010 (Brett then became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Osisko and was renamed "Osisko Hammond Reef Gold Ltd."). Osisko Hammond Reef Gold Ltd.'s main asset is the Hammond Reef gold project located near Atikokan, Ontario.
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