DNN - Denison Announces Signing of Wheeler River Benefit Agreements with Kineepik Métis Local #9 and the Village of Pinehouse Lake | Benzinga
TORONTO, July 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Denison Mines Corp. ("Denison" or the "Company") (TSX:DML) (NYSE:DNN) is honoured to announce the signing of a Mutual Benefits Agreement ("MBA") with Kineepik Métis Local #9 ("KML"), and a Community Benefit Agreement ("CBA") with the Northern Village of Pinehouse Lake (the "Village"), in support of the development and operation of Denison's 95%-owned Wheeler River Project in northern Saskatchewan (the "Project"). View PDF version
KML represents the Métis members who live and practice traditional activities in the vicinity of the Wheeler River Project and the Métis residents of the Village, which is situated approximately 270 km south from the Project along provincial highway 914 and represents the closest municipality to the Project.
Executive Director of KML, Billie Jo Natomagan, remarked that "On behalf of KML, I am honored to announce the signing of our MBA with Denison Mines. This represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to secure sustainable economic development while protecting and promoting our culture, language, traditions, and rights. Through this agreement we will continue to engage with Denison Mines to monitor and evaluate the outcomes of this partnership, ensuring that our goals of economic development, environmental stewardship, and social well-being are met.
We appreciate the commitment shown by Denison Mines in recognizing and valuing our unique relationship with the land and resources in the Project area. This agreement signifies hope and opportunity for our community and for future generations.
I would like to extend thanks to everyone involved in the negotiation process, including our negotiation team, our elders, land users, and advisors. Your dedication and hard work have been instrumental in achieving this milestone."
Mayor of the Village of Pinehouse, Mike Natomagan, stated, "We are excited to share that we have been able to reach an agreement with Denison regarding the advancement of the Wheeler River project. This is a significant milestone for our community. Leaning on the experience and lessons learned from our previous agreement we were able to negotiate a truly meaningful agreement.
This agreement is not just a document, but a testament to the strength and resilience of our community, and our commitment to sustainable community development. This partnership will bring more opportunities for employment, training and community development that will benefit our people and our future. This is a significant moment for our community and gives us hope for a brighter future. Thank you to our elders, community, and negotiations team for supporting us through this process. Tiniki."
David Cates, President & CEO of Denison, commented, "The signing of these agreements represents another significant and important milestone for Denison and the Wheeler River project. Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding amongst Denison, KML, and the Village in 2017, where each party expressed a mutual interest in supporting the advancement of the Project, our team has focused its extensive engagement efforts towards building a lasting and authentic relationship of trust and mutual respect.
KML and the Village have welcomed Denison staff into Pinehouse on multiple notable occasions over the last several years and we have gained a unique first-hand appreciation for the Métis and non-Métis perspectives and values of the community. As such, it is particularly rewarding for us to have earned the support and consent for the advancement of the Project from both KML and the Village. Thank you to all from KML and the Village that have contributed to the growth of our relationship and ultimately the completion of ...