EXPLORATION ’95 — First Nations seek ties with mining

The chief of the Dawson First Nation, Steven Taylor, says mining companies have to recognize that, with the implementation of First Nation self-government, aboriginal people will want to play a larger role in the economic activities taking place on their land.

The Dawson First Nation is negotiating with Loki Gold (TSE), a junior company seeking to develop the Brewery Creek gold project situated 57 miles east of Dawson City, Y.T.

“The proposed mine would be on the Dawson First Nation’s traditional lands,” says Chief Taylor. “We are very excited about the potential benefits this could provide to our people. In order to maximize those benefits, we want to be partners in the project, and negotiations have begun with Loki’s senior management towards that end.”

Taylor says native leaders want to sit around the board table when decisions are being made that affect their people.

“But when we negotiate with mining companies, we want to be accepted on the understanding that we bring benefits to the table,” Taylor says, adding that a preliminary estimate indicates that native participation could add about $9 million to Loki’s bottom line.

Chief Taylor hopes to resolve socio-economic and environmental issues and reach an agreement with Loki “as soon as possible.”