The Barrick-MNO MOU signing. Back row, from left: Jeremy Dart, Patricia Obie,
Debi Bouchie, Ken Simard, Phil McGuire. Front row, from left: Trent Desaulniers,
Andrew Baumen, Cameron Burgess. The Barrick-MNO MOU signing. Back row,
from left: Jeremy Dart, Patricia Obie, Debi Bouchie, Ken Simard, Phil McGuire.
Front row, from left: Trent Desaulniers, Andrew Baumen, Cameron Burgess.
On October 30, 2015, in Marathon, the Métis Nation of Ontario (“MNO”) and Barrick Gold Corporation (“Barrick”) announced that they formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) to guide their working relationship with regards to the operations of the Williams Mine Project (the “Project”) in Hemlo, Ontario.
“This agreement is very important to the Métis people,” explained MNO Region 2 Chair Cameron Burgess. “It acknowledges the exercise of Métis rights and the Métis way of life in the context of a currently operating mine in the Marathon area. We are pleased to continue working with Barrick. Agreements like this one are another benefit that we see coming from the MNO-Ontario Framework Agreement, which was first signed in 2008 and renewed [in 2014],” he added.
Andrew Baumen, General Manager of Williams Operating Corporation added: “We have been consulting with the Métis Nation on the operating and future closure of the Williams Gold Mine since 2011. This formalized Memorandum of Understanding is a positive representation of our commitment to continuing to work with the Métis Nation.”
The MOU sets out the way in which the local Métis community, as represented by the MNO’s Lakehead/Nipigon/Michipicoten Traditional Territory Consultation Committee will be consulted regarding the operation and future closure of the Project and details how the parties will work together to address any potential impacts the Project may have on Métis rights, interests and way of life. The MOU demonstrates Barrick’s commitment to continue to collaborate and consult with the surrounding community to build long-lasting positive relationships.
MNO Superior North Shore Métis Council President Trent Desaulniers commented: “Our community is very proud of the relationship that we have built with Barrick. We see this relationship as an opportunity to foster ongoing collaborations while working together to protect our traditional values and way of life. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship with Barrick as their project progresses.”
About Barrick Gold Corporation
Barrick aims to be the world’s leading mining company focused on gold. Based in Toronto, with operations in 10 countries, our vision is the generation of wealth through responsible mining — wealth for our owners, our people and the countries and communities with which we partner. The company has been ranked as a world leader in social and environmental responsibility for eight consecutive years by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Shares are traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol ABX.
Published on: January 22, 2016