GULL BAY FIRST NATION – A five-day demonstration restricting traffic on an access road to the Lac Des Iles Mine has ended after a letter of intent was signed by Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek – Gull Bay First Nation and the company.
Members of the community had erected an encampment on the road, just off Highway 527, last Thursday as they exercised their inherent rights on their traditional land and prohibited vehicles from passing through.
The blockade came to an end Tuesday morning, when Gull Bay Chief Wilfred King and North American Palladium formally signed off on the process to finalize an agreement.
“The mine has met all of our demands and we’re in the process now of developing a participation agreement. We’re hoping to have that concluded in two months,” King said to TBT News.
King did not provide details of their deal citing confidentiality, but said respect for the First Nation was a major issue.
Provincial deputy ministers had also attended the site earlier this week.
Company officials said secondary access to the mine was permitted throughout the demonstration and in a statement thanked King and the community's council for peaceful and efficient discussions.
"We look forward to continuing our discussions to advance our relationship. We would also like to thank the Ontario Provincial Police liaison unit for their excellent mediation of the event,” said Jim Gallagher, president and chief executive officer of North American Palladium, in a statement.
The mine, located north of Thunder Bay, has been in operation for 25 years. More than one million tonnes were mined during the first quarter of 2018.
