FPX Nickel Corp. (TSXV:FPX) is pleased to announce that it has signed a new Development Memorandum of Agreement (“MoA”) with the Binche Keyoh Bu Society (the “Binche Society”), which represents the Keyoh families within the Binche Whut’en, located near central British Columbia, Canada.
Before the de-amalgamation of Binche from Tl’azt’en and the establishment of the Binche Whut’en in 2019, FPX had a longtime Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) for the Decar Mine with the Tl’azt’en Nation, which included Binche Keyoh families.
The new Memorandum of Understanding between the Binche Society and FPX formalizes the norms for maintaining the mutually beneficial working relationship that has been established between the groups as the work continues on Decar research and development efforts.
The MOA confirms the Binche Society’s and constituent Keyoh families’ support for offshore engineering and scientific investigations, as well as onsite field programs, and lays out how project activities will be managed in terms of:
- Cultural and environmental concerns of the Binche Whut’enne community
- Ongoing community consultation activities
- Socio-economic benefits for the Binche community through funding, business, and employment opportunities
FPX President and CEO Martine Turenne spoke on the matter, stating, “Since the beginning of exploration activities at Decar in 2008, FPX has worked respectfully with the traditional Keyoh families of Binche Whut’enne and Tl’azt’enne to create shared value through employment and economic opportunities, while also being responsible stewards of the natural environment.”
Turenne would elaborate further, saying that the signing of the MOA is an important milestone in the facilitation of a mutually advantageous relationship between FPX and the Binche community.
Chief Dwayne R. Martin of the Binche Whut’en said, “This Memorandum of Agreement between FPX and the Binche Keyoh Bu Society along with the Binche Whut’enne Keyoh families is one of the first traditional agreements signed without any involvement by Binche Whut’en Chief & Council.”
Martin elaborated, saying, “This agreement signifies that the Binche Whut’enne Keyoh families are recognized as the true title and rights holder that has the decision-making authority for their traditional family Keyoh territories. The relationship that FPX has created with the Binche Whut’enne Keyoh families and the Binche Keyoh Bu Society is a true testament that FPX is committed to collaborating with the traditional landowners and supporting the Binche Keyoh Bu Society’s economic development entities connected to this mine development project.”
Featured Image: Megapixl © Adwo
