CanNor Funds Will Assist Yukon First Nation to Prepare for Gold Mine

Memorandum to be developed between Kaminak Gold Corp. and White River First Nation

WHITEHORSE, March 20, 2014 /CNW/ - Office of the Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), and Minister for the Arctic Council

Minister Aglukkaq today announced funding for the White River First Nation to negotiate a formal working relationship with Kaminak Gold Corporation on the development of the Coffee Creek Gold project.

Quick Facts

• The Coffee Creek Gold project is a high-grade oxidized gold site 120 kilometres south of Dawson City, Yukon.
• This $76,000 project will allow the White River First Nation to negotiate a Communication and Cooperation Memorandum with Kaminak Gold to protect traditional knowledge and define business opportunities, environmental issues and job opportunities during the exploration phase of the project.

Quotes

"Our Government recognizes that responsible resource development in the North has the potential to create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. This investment will help position the White River First Nation to take advantage of the significant economic opportunities that this resource development has to offer."

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council

"Our Government is committed to fostering economic growth in the North that benefits Northerners. This investment with help ensure that our Aboriginal partners can benefit from resource development in Yukon."

Ryan Leef
Member of Parliament

"WRFN is thankful to Canada for helping facilitate the development of an agreement on Kaminak's mineral exploration activities taking place in our Traditional Territory. Should we conclude an agreement, it will establish the terms of a respectful, mutually beneficial bilateral relationship with our Government and the company during the exploration phase."

Janet VanderMeer
Lands Coordinator WRFN

SOURCE: Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Jennifer Kennedy
819-997-1441

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Leslie Cole
Communications Advisor, Yukon
613-943-6162

CanNor works to help develop a diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy across Canada's three territories, and delivers on its northern mandate through funding programs, the Northern Projects Management Office and by undertaking policy and research.

White River First Nation:
Janet VanderMeer
Lands Coordinator WRFN
867-862-7802

For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca

For more information on Canada's Northern Strategy, visit: northernstrategy.ca