Mineral Exploration is the official publication of the Association of Mineral Exploration British Columbia.
Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/468124
S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 23 Blackwater New Gold's Black water project is located along the northern f lanks of Mt. Davidson in the Nechako Plateau, approximately 160 kilometres southwest of Prince George and 110 kilometres south-southwest of Vanderhoof. Blackwater director Tim Bekhuys says New Gold acquired the project in mid-2011. "Since then, we have been working with all nearby First Nations," he says. "The closest First Nations to our exploration area are the Lhoosk'uz Dené Nation, approx- imate population 200, and Ulkatcho First Nation, approximate population 1,000. There are a number of other First Nations in the region we are also working with." Bekhuys says New Gold's approach is to be respectful and inclusive. "We seek to understand the goals and values of all the Aboriginal peoples in our areas of exploration before we start." He notes that the company tries to reach early agreements with those First Nations that have traditional ter- ritories near its exploration activities. "We reached agreements within a few months with all First Nations in whose traditional territories we are conducting exploration near Blackwater," he says. "In addition, we keep other nearby First Nations informed of our exploration activities, job opportunities and contracts that may arise. We also monitor the land and other potential issues of concern." New Gold has made agreements with First Nations that enable them to assess Blackwater, monitor the project and build training and contracting capacity. "The key to reaching the agreements has been understanding the history of the area and its traditional uses, and ensuring that understanding is used in the design, construction, operation and eventual closure of the mine," Bekhuys says. "We recognize we need to look from Day 1 how we can work with local communities to leave a small footprint." Bekhuys says it is important to recog- nize that each First Nations community is unique. "We endeavour to take a prin- cipled approach to reaching agreements. That means it can sometimes take longer to reach an agreement, but hopefully one that is longer lasting." Blackwater takes the time to ensure an alignment of its corporate values with the values of the community. "In many com- munities, there is a desire to see employ- ment," Bekhuys says. "Other communities are seeking contracting opportunities,