Mishkeegogamang First Nation and First Mining Gold have signed a long-term relationship agreement (LTRA) covering the Springpole gold project, in north-western Ontario.

The agreement sets out a collaborative approach for the development of one of Canada's largest gold resources, through construction, operations, and closure, in a manner that respects the environment and provides direct benefits to the First Nation.

"This agreement is the result of a five-year process of technical review, traditional knowledge study and relationship building with First Mining. The agreement ensures that Mishkeegogamang's interests will be represented in the development and operation of the Springpole project and will deliver long-term value by creating concrete opportunities for our community and our members. Together with First Mining, we are shaping the direction of a modern and long-term collaboration that is in keeping with our values,” said Mishkeegogamang First Nation chief Merle Loon.

First Mining CEO Dan Wilton thanked the Mishkeegogamang community and its leadership for the years of hard work that they had put into information sharing, understanding and helping the company to shape and improve the plans for Springpole. 

“This modern agreement provides clear avenues for Mishkeegogamang's participation in the development and operation of the project from an environmental, cultural, economic and business opportunities perspective.”

Following a process agreement signed in 2021 between Mishkeegogamang and First Mining, the LTRA was negotiated along with a community-based consultation process to ensure that the interests and concerns of the First Nation were taken into account. The LTRA includes provisions for Mishkeegogamang to take part in the project's environmental management and monitoring, the implementation of adaptive management and preferential training and employability measures, equity and participation in the economic upside of the project, the promotion of business opportunities during the mine's construction and operations, as well as the recognition of Anishnaabe culture and the inclusion of cultural safety measures. The LTRA also sets out the sharing of financial benefits from the Springpole project.

The people of Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation live in north-western Ontario, around the area where the Albany river meets Lake St. Joseph. Today, just more than 900 people live on its two reserves, while about 500 live off the reserve, either on Crown Land or in other communities.