Montreal Lake Signs Agreement With Mining Firm

Montreal Lake Signs Agreement With Mining Firm

Friday, February 23, 2007 at 15:20

An agreement has been struck between a mineral company and a northern First Nation — a deal the band’s chief says will generate economic opportunities while protecting traditional land.

Lionel Bird of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation is in Saskatoon today, where his band is holding a signing ceremony with the Great West Diamond Corporation.

Bird says the deal will allow the company to explore for diamonds on a section of his band’s traditional land near Candle Lake.

In exchange, his people will get a chance at contracts, training and jobs.

Bird says the company has also convinced him it’s serious about upholding treaty rights and the duty to consult.

He says the partnership could really take off if a mine is ever developed.