In the spring of 2023, NexGen achieved a significant milestone for the Project with the signing of a historic Impact Benefit Agreement with the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan and Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Northern Region 2. This fourth and final Benefit Agreement with Indigenous Communities in the Local Priority Area (LPA) confirms support and consent by all Indigenous communities local to the Project, and ensures sustainable generational impact through positive social, economic, and transparent environmental outcomes for the LPA, Saskatchewan, and Canada, that will extend well beyond mine-dependent opportunities.
The four benefit Agreements, signed between 2021 and 2023, reflect the dedication and commitment of NexGen and all four LPA Indigenous Groups to collaboratively set a new industry standard for genuine consultation and engagement. Established through open honest communication and founded in trust and transparency, these agreements include provisions for ongoing engagement and for financial and human resources to support Indigenous cultural and traditional values, as well as environmental stewardship, training, employment, and economic development.
"This agreement not only recognizes the Métis as a rights-holding people with strong ancestral connections to the land, but also provides a mechanism for continuous engagement on a breadth of important topics, including environmental and social concerns, human resources, and support for Métis businesses. NexGen’s commitments in the IBA will set a new standard for how industry recognizes Métis rights and engages with the Métis Nation."
— Leonard Montgrand, Regional Director of Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Northern Region 2
“I wish to congratulate Northern Region II and NexGen for all the work involved in resolving the IBA, a landmark agreement for the entire Métis Nation and an excellent example of what can be achieved when we work together. Over the past five years, the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan has had a string of transformative accomplishments many thought impossible, and to this list we are proud to add the IBA with NexGen. It is our understanding this will be, by far, the largest Métis impact and benefit agreement in Canadian history. Under the IBA, the Rook I Project will respect our large, vibrant Métis community and our rights and interests over the land, while providing much-needed resources and opportunities to Northern Region II. It will leave a substantial legacy that can continue after the mine has closed and the lands have been restored."
— Glen McCallum, President of the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan
"Since as early as 2013, the Rook I Project has been a platform for both NexGen and CRDN to set a new and elite standard on Indigenous engagement, participation, and partnerships, for projects in the traditional territory of Indigenous peoples. The signing of this IBA formalizes these new standards, and provides the CRDN and all its members the opportunities for lifelong, sustainable jobs and business opportunities right in our own backyard.”
— Chief Teddy Clark of Clearwater River Dene Nation
“On meeting the regulatory requirements, our community stands to benefit with environmental monitoring, jobs, business opportunities, and payments to support community priorities. NexGen has been working with us in a respectful way.”
— Chief Jonathan Sylvester of Birch Narrows Dene Nation
“The jobs and business opportunities that our members will be able to obtain with the Project incorporating elite environmental and cultural practices is very exciting.”
— Former Chief Elmer Campbell of Buffalo River Dene Nation (from 2018-2021)
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