A participation agreement has been reached between Williams Lake Indian Band and Mount Polley Mining Corporation.
The agreement addresses issues in relation to the band's assertion of title and rights in the area of MPMC operations, and charts a cooperative and mutually respectful working relationship that will allow both parties to meet their respective obligations and protect their rights, values and interests.
"The participation agreement addresses a number of topics, from education and training, employment and contracting, to environmental management. The agreement will afford additional opportunities at Mount Polley Mine to WLIB members, and will see MPMC contributing funding for First Nations scholarships, bursaries and other WLIB community projects," the band stated in a press release.
Chief Anne Louie of the WLIB commended the mine for concluding the agreement, and said she is hopeful the agreement will see the two groups working collaboratively for the remaining life of the mine.
"We are also very happy with the emphasis that Mount Polley has placed on education and training and the development of our members. Legacy agreements of this kind are rare, but the conclusion of the agreement demonstrates that through hard work and commitment, an agreement can be reached," Louie said.
Commenting, mine manager Tim Fisch said he is confident the agreement represents only the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship and that he looks forward to working together with the band on its implementation.
Echoing Fisch, Brian Kynoc, president and CEO of Imperial Metals Corporation, said the agreement represents an important evolution in the relationship between the company and the band.
The parties will celebrate the completion of the agreement at a signing ceremony on Feb. 6. It is anticipated that several members of the provincial cabinet will attend the ceremony.