TSX-V-listed Canada Nickel Company has signed a significant agreement with the Mattagami, Matachewan, and Flying Post First Nations, members of the Wabun Tribal Council, to advance the Crawford nickel sulphide project in northern Ontario. 

The agreement, signed on Monday, establishes a framework for business and employment opportunities while setting the stage for a comprehensive impact benefits agreement (IBA).

The agreement outlines commitments for open-book negotiations on key contracting opportunities, including the construction of a 25.2-km railway line, the relocation of Highway 655, and a temporary overpass on the highway. Scheduled between 2025 and 2029, these projects will prioritise First Nations businesses, fostering economic development, partnerships, and regional growth.

"This agreement provides a genuine starting point for addressing the impacts of the Crawford project on our lands and people. It's a positive step towards ensuring Matachewan First Nation's members voices are heard and our rights are respected," said Chief Alex 'Sonny' Batisse of Matachewan First Nation.

Mattagami First Nation Chief Jennifer Constant highlighted the agreement’s importance in recognising First Nations' role in resource development. "This agreement reflects an important recognition of our role as stewards of our Traditional Territory and speaks to Mattagami First Nation's history of, and continued economic success through, partnerships with proponents. While more work lies ahead through our ongoing IBA negotiations, I am extremely optimistic about the opportunities that working in partnership with Canada Nickel will bring for our members."

Flying Post First Nation Chief Murray Ray welcomed the partnership with Canada Nickel. "Flying Post First Nation has a long history of protecting our lands and advocating for equitable partnerships, which is why we are pleased to be partnering with a company that has sustainability at the forefront of its operations. This agreement, and our partnership, is just the beginning of a much longer journey."

Canada Nickel CEO Mark Selby said the agreement was a milestone in the project’s development. "This agreement is a milestone in the development of the Crawford project and reflects our commitment to meaningful partnerships with First Nations and our respect for the Traditional Territories in which we are fortunate to operate. We value our ongoing work with Flying Post, Mattagami, and Matachewan First Nations, and the collective advocacy efforts of Wabun Tribal Council, and we look forward to building on this foundation to deliver long-term benefits for their membership, our project, and the region writ-large."

Jason Batise, executive director and lead negotiator for Wabun Tribal Council, emphasised the importance of collaboration. "This agreement demonstrates the strength of collaboration and our ability to negotiate meaningful opportunities when the rights of First Nations are respected. As recipients of the Skookum Jim Award from the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada for Excellence in Indigenous Participation, we take pride in our success negotiating collective benefits for the First Nations we represent. While there is still much work to be done, it is a step in the right direction as we continue to work towards an IBA that fully respects the rights and maximises the benefits for our members."

The agreement establishes mechanisms for transparency and engagement, including regular consultations and the appointment of a First Nations Business Representative to coordinate opportunities within the project. It also prioritises access for First Nation-owned businesses in project contracts and provides specialised training programmes to enhance local skills development.