Indigenous Communities and Organizations

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Numerous partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations (ICO)

At Agnico Eagle, our ongoing journey toward reconciliation is driven by a deep-rooted belief in social, economic and environmental responsibility toward the communities in which we operate.

The Wasamac mining project was first presented to communities in 2021–2022 in its initial form by Yamana Gold as part of a provincial and federal environmental assessment. As part of the federal assessment, which concluded in December 2024, 12 ICOs were identified as potentially interested in the project’s development. Of these, 7 had expressed interest in the project.

A significant mobilization effort was then launched, with the following objectives:

  • to promote communication and collaboration with Indigenous communities and organizations during the environmental impact assessment and subsequent phases of the project;
  • share information about the project frequently and transparently;
  • invite Indigenous communities and organizations to define their rights, discuss the project’s impact on those rights, and collaborate to identify the most appropriate mitigation measures.


Photos: Representatives of the Abitibiwinni and Timiskaming First Nations visited

the Wasamac project site on August 26, 2021

Demonstrating our collaborative approach, several activities were arranged with Indigenous communities and organizations in 2021. Here are a few good examples:

  • Multiple communications (newsletters, correspondence, telephone conversations, site tours, etc.) were used to share information and develop a close relationship with the respondents of each interested community.
  • More than a dozen online meetings were held to explain the project, discuss elements of interest to the Indigenous communities and organizations, and plan joint tasks for the environmental impact assessment.
  • An initial multi-community meeting was held at the end of the year to discuss water issues and promote concerted dialogue on a wider, regional scope.
  • Operational agreements have encouraged the involvement of Indigenous communities and organizations in drilling work, inventory-taking, and producing studies.

As part of the revised project (2026) and the provincial impact assessment to which the project is now subject, dialogue has resumed in recent months to present the revised project and confirm their interest in participating in the assessment. If they wish, communities will have the opportunity to discuss their expectations with our teams and be informed of the next steps planned as part of the project’s development.

We will continue to seek input, advice, and concerns from Indigenous communities and organizations in order to build a project that respects their interests and their ancestral presence on the land.

Numerous partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations (ICO)

At Agnico Eagle, our ongoing journey toward reconciliation is driven by a deep-rooted belief in social, economic and environmental responsibility toward the communities in which we operate.

The Wasamac mining project was first presented to communities in 2021–2022 in its initial form by Yamana Gold as part of a provincial and federal environmental assessment. As part of the federal assessment, which concluded in December 2024, 12 ICOs were identified as potentially interested in the project’s development. Of these, 7 had expressed interest in the project.

A significant mobilization effort was then launched, with the following objectives:

  • to promote communication and collaboration with Indigenous communities and organizations during the environmental impact assessment and subsequent phases of the project;
  • share information about the project frequently and transparently;
  • invite Indigenous communities and organizations to define their rights, discuss the project’s impact on those rights, and collaborate to identify the most appropriate mitigation measures.


Photos: Representatives of the Abitibiwinni and Timiskaming First Nations visited

the Wasamac project site on August 26, 2021

Demonstrating our collaborative approach, several activities were arranged with Indigenous communities and organizations in 2021. Here are a few good examples:

  • Multiple communications (newsletters, correspondence, telephone conversations, site tours, etc.) were used to share information and develop a close relationship with the respondents of each interested community.
  • More than a dozen online meetings were held to explain the project, discuss elements of interest to the Indigenous communities and organizations, and plan joint tasks for the environmental impact assessment.
  • An initial multi-community meeting was held at the end of the year to discuss water issues and promote concerted dialogue on a wider, regional scope.
  • Operational agreements have encouraged the involvement of Indigenous communities and organizations in drilling work, inventory-taking, and producing studies.

As part of the revised project (2026) and the provincial impact assessment to which the project is now subject, dialogue has resumed in recent months to present the revised project and confirm their interest in participating in the assessment. If they wish, communities will have the opportunity to discuss their expectations with our teams and be informed of the next steps planned as part of the project’s development.

We will continue to seek input, advice, and concerns from Indigenous communities and organizations in order to build a project that respects their interests and their ancestral presence on the land.

  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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    As part of National Truth and Reconciliation Day, we take a moment to reflect, learn, and recognize the importance of building respectful and lasting relationships with Indigenous peoples.

    At Agnico Eagle, we continue our commitment to reconciliation through concrete actions, awareness initiatives, and open dialogue with communities. To this end, our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) demonstrates our commitment to doing what is right and putting our values into action.

    To view our RAP: https://s205.q4cdn.com/243646470/files/doc_downloads/1553-AE-RAP-Eng_Final-Web.pdf

    On September 25, our Wasamac mining project team took part in an awareness-raising activity aimed at better understanding the realities of Indigenous peoples.

    We had the

    As part of National Truth and Reconciliation Day, we take a moment to reflect, learn, and recognize the importance of building respectful and lasting relationships with Indigenous peoples.

    At Agnico Eagle, we continue our commitment to reconciliation through concrete actions, awareness initiatives, and open dialogue with communities. To this end, our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) demonstrates our commitment to doing what is right and putting our values into action.

    To view our RAP: https://s205.q4cdn.com/243646470/files/doc_downloads/1553-AE-RAP-Eng_Final-Web.pdf

    On September 25, our Wasamac mining project team took part in an awareness-raising activity aimed at better understanding the realities of Indigenous peoples.

    We had the privilege of being accompanied by Mr. André Mowatt, a passionate guide, during a most enlightening presentation on the history of the Abitibi8innik people through the ages. This visit also allowed us to discover the permanent exhibition located in the basement of the Pikogan church, a place steeped in memory and cultural transmission.

    We warmly thank Mr. Mowatt for his generous hospitality and the wealth of information he shared with us.

    Thank you also to our colleagues from La Ronde's community relations team for participating with us.

    One step at a time, let's move forward together toward reconciliation.

  • 2021-2022 progress report – relations with Indigenous communities and organizations as part of the impact study

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    Glenn Polson, Coopérative Pikogan

    Since the launch of the impact study for the Wasamac underground mining project in March 2021, numerous communications and exchanges have taken place with the Indigenous communities and organizations interested in taking part in the assessment of the project's impacts.

    Throughout the discussions, it was possible to identify various issues relating to the Wasamac project and its review, as defined and expressed by Indigenous communities and organizations. These comments, questions and suggestions contributed to the process of optimization and continuous improvement of the project, in order to prevent or limit the impacts on the environment. The


    Glenn Polson, Coopérative Pikogan

    Since the launch of the impact study for the Wasamac underground mining project in March 2021, numerous communications and exchanges have taken place with the Indigenous communities and organizations interested in taking part in the assessment of the project's impacts.

    Throughout the discussions, it was possible to identify various issues relating to the Wasamac project and its review, as defined and expressed by Indigenous communities and organizations. These comments, questions and suggestions contributed to the process of optimization and continuous improvement of the project, in order to prevent or limit the impacts on the environment. The entire Yamana Gold team as well as the firms involved in relations with the community and the carrying out of the impact study would like to thank the teams from the Indigenous communities and organizations for their time and their contribution to improving the project and for the collaborative process.

    We invite you to consult this 2021-2022 progress report to see the efforts undertaken as well as the concrete impact of the contributions received at the level of the project and its review.

    Read the report

  • Meetings with Indigenous communities – summer 2022

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    As part of the ongoing impact study, the Yamana Gold team recently had the opportunity between May and July to meet with three Indigenous communities, namely the First Nations of Abitibiwinni, Long Point and Timiskaming. The objective of these meetings was to discuss with them and some of their members on the evolution of the project and the environmental impact study to which several communities are contributing, to hear their concerns and suggestions for improvement on the project and to take stock of the various collaboration and business opportunities available to them in the months and years to come. Members

    As part of the ongoing impact study, the Yamana Gold team recently had the opportunity between May and July to meet with three Indigenous communities, namely the First Nations of Abitibiwinni, Long Point and Timiskaming. The objective of these meetings was to discuss with them and some of their members on the evolution of the project and the environmental impact study to which several communities are contributing, to hear their concerns and suggestions for improvement on the project and to take stock of the various collaboration and business opportunities available to them in the months and years to come. Members of the Yamana team were warmly welcomed to the 3 communities and would like to thank them for their respective contribution to the ongoing dialogue as the project evolves.

    It should be noted that operational agreements are in place with certain communities to confirm their involvement, in particular in the conduct of inventories, the revision of studies on various components of the project and sometimes even the production of studies led by themselves.

    A series of thematic meetings with the communities concerned is planned for September with the aim of continuing to solicit their ideas, advice, and concerns in order to build a project that respects their interests, values and ancestral presence in the territory.

Page last updated: 13 May 2026, 09:17 AM