e-3009 (Indigenous affairs)

The Government of Canada, and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC), recognizes the importance of the Giant Mine site to the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and the impact that it has had on its community. Righting historical wrongs and working collaboratively to renew the Government’s relationship with First Nations is key to advancing reconciliation in Canada. CIRNAC is committed to moving forward in collaboration with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation.

CIRNAC is working in collaboration with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation to address the request for an apology in relation to Giant Mine. To date, the Department has provided funding to the Yellowknives Dene First Nation in excess of $300,000 in order to conduct historical research in relation to Giant Mine. A memorandum of understanding between the Department and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation is currently in development.

CIRNAC is also committed to seeking a resolution to the Yellowknives Dene First Nation’s request for compensation in relation to Giant Mine, the Department is working in collaboration with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation in order to identify the process and resolution to this request.

To date, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation have been awarded $45.8 million in contracts for the Giant Mine remediation. CIRNAC is working with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation on a draft Community Benefits Agreement which builds on this success and reflects the commitment of the Government to enable the Yellowknives Dene First Nation to continue to benefit from the socio-economic opportunities as a result of this project. Set asides under the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Businesses have been used by CIRNAC, in collaboration with Public Services and Procurement Canada, to maximize contracting opportunities for Indigenous businesses. From December 2017 to November 2020, the Giant Mine Remediation Project Main Construction Manager has set aside approximately $15.8 million under the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Businesses.

CIRNAC is committed to supporting the Yellowknives Dene First Nation’s ongoing participation in the Giant Mine Remediation Project through training and capacity building initiatives. In fiscal year 2020-2021, CIRNAC provided the Yellowknives Dene First Nation with $867,183 to participate in all aspects of the projects, including training activities through the Dechita Naowo. The Department is also currently in discussions with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation to establish a five year rolling training plan which will start in fiscal year 2021-2022 and continue for the duration of the implementation of the Giant Mine Remediation Project. In addition, CIRNAC continues to offer ongoing funding to support the implementation of a Yellowknives Dene First Nation Community Based Monitoring Program.