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Prior to beginning exploration work in 2013, NexGen regularly engaged with northern Saskatchewan local Indigenous Groups and communities on proposed exploration activities. As the Company advanced development of the Rook I Project, Indigenous communities that may be affected by or have interest in the Project were identified. Through this review process, four primary Indigenous Groups were identified as the focus of engagement activities:

•        Clear water River Dene Nation (CRDN)

•        Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Northern Region 2 (MN-S NR2)

•        Birch Narrows Dene Nation (BNDN)

•        Buffalo River Dene Nation (BRDN)

Engagement methods that were developed in collaboration with the four primary Indigenous Groups to inform and enhance the EA and related planning and preparation for development were successful in facilitating the incorporation of Indigenous and Local Knowledge into both the EA and the Project design – an approach that will continue throughout the Project life cycle. To help facilitate engagement with local Indigenous Groups, NexGen entered into Study Agreements with each of the CRDN, MN-S NR2, BNDN, and BRDN in 2019. The Study Agreements formalized the engagement approaches that would support each primary Indigenous Group’s participation in the EA process, including capacity funding for engagement and retention of technical support. The Study Agreements also fully funded the completion of self-directed Indigenous Knowledge and Traditional Land Use Studies by each Indigenous Group that were valuable sources of information used by NexGen in conducting the EA.

NexGen has signed Benefit Agreements with each of the CRDN, MN-S, BNDN, and BRDN. These Benefit Agreements include Environmental and Implementation Committees which provide a mechanism for continued genuine and transparent engagement throughout the life cycle of the Rook I Project. All four communities have formally confirmed their consent and strong support for NexGen's stewardship of the Rook I Project covering the full life cycle of the mine, including post-closure. Furthermore, these Indigenous Nations have voiced their desire for the receipt of the final approvals required for the Project to be granted by regulatory authorities as expediently as possible.

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