FORT CHIPEWYAN, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Dec. 7, 2016) - Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 ("Fort Chipewyan Métis") and Teck Resources Limited ("Teck") today announced the signing of a participation agreement for Teck's proposed Frontier oil sands project, located in the traditional territory of the Fort Chipewyan Métis.
The agreement identifies a number of economic benefits for the Fort Chipewyan Métis connected with the Frontier Project, as well as creating opportunities for meaningful engagement and communication. It also sets out a framework for items such as traditional land use and environmental stewardship related to the project.
"Teck has a real relationship with us. The relationship started before they filed their Frontier Application. Unlike some other oil sands developers, Teck has worked hard to develop the integrity and consistency of the relationship. Teck has been listening to our concerns and has committed to continue to work with us as they progress through all stages of their development. Other companies could learn from Teck and how they have treated the section 35 rights-bearing Fort Chipewyan Métis," said President Fred (Jumbo) Fraser.
"We recognize the unique heritage and culture of the Fort Chipewyan Métis, their connection to this region, and our responsibility to work to build a mutually-beneficial relationship," said Marcia Smith, Senior Vice President, Sustainability and External Affairs, Teck. "This agreement reflects our commitment to developing the Frontier Project in a manner that is environmentally responsible, is respectful of Indigenous communities, and creates real benefits for local communities."
The agreement will be implemented through a joint Cooperative Implementation Committee, which will work collaboratively to support and implement:
- Economic benefits to support the community's Métis interests and rights
- Contracting opportunities for Fort Chipewyan Métis businesses
- Education, training and employment opportunities for Fort Chipewyan Métis members
- Consideration of traditional knowledge and traditional land use
- Environmental stewardship planning and implementation
The Frontier Project is a proposed oil sands mine located about 110 kilometres south of Fort Chipewyan in northeastern Alberta. Frontier is currently moving through the joint provincial-federal regulatory review process. For more information, go to www.frontieroilsands.com .
About The Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 The Métis have been in Fort Chipewyan since 1788, long before Canada and Alberta were legally established jurisdictions. The Supreme Court of Canada recognized that Métis have constitutionally protected Indigenous rights, including harvesting rights. The Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 provides a range of services and programs. Importantly, Fort Chipewyan Métis continue to advocate, protect and provide opportunities for Métis to practice their traditional Indigenous lifeways.
About Teck Teck is a diversified resource company committed to responsible mining and mineral development with major business units focused on copper, steelmaking coal, zinc and energy. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, its shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TECK.A and TECK.B and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TECK. Learn more about Teck at www.teck.com or follow @TeckResources.
