Rolande Souliere

This work addresses mining, resource extraction, environmental protection, royalties, and compensation within First Nations’ (North American) traditional territories. My nation, Michipicoten First Nation, has entered into four agreements with Argonaut/Prodigy to establish an open-pit gold mine near our reserve in Wawa, Ontario.
This open-pit mine will operate for approximately 10 years, with a projected lifespan of 17 years, and will have social, cultural, and environmental impacts on our nation. Michipicoten First Nation has taken proactive steps to work with its members to ensure that there is no infringement or interference with Treaty Rights within its traditional territory. As such, Michipicoten has entered into four agreements, including a unique community benefits agreement that addresses environmental protections, royalties, and compensation based on the price of gold, shares, and the formal recognition of the mining company as a party to the agreement.
Michipicoten has been successful in ensuring a transparent methodology is applied, whereby variable payments—tied to the price and production of gold—are secured. It is not uncommon for First Nations to receive reduced payments when financial compensation is calculated. In this context, Michipicoten First Nation has succeeded in securing royalties that are typically not granted by many mining companies.