The Ktunaxa Nation Council and Teck Resources Limited yesterday announced the signing of an Impact Management and Benefits Agreement that will create numerous long-term benefits for the Ktunaxa people and increased certainty around future sustainable mining development in the region.

Above: Kathryn Teneese, Ktunaxa Nation Council Chair and Don Lindsay, President and CEO of Teck marked the signing of an agreement

The agreement relates to production at Teck’s steelmaking coal operations within Ktunaxa Nation Territory in the Elk Valley region. Spanning approximately 40 years and all five operations, it is one of the most comprehensive agreements of its kind in place in Canada and sets out commitments for both parties in the areas of:

– Consultation and engagement;

– Environment and land stewardship;

– Employment and business opportunities for Ktunaxa citizens;

– Cultural resources management.

“As Ktunaxa, our roles as stewards and protectors of the land are vital to who we are,” said Kathryn Teneese, Ktunaxa Nation Council Chair. “This agreement affirms the commitment the Ktunaxa Nation and Teck have to protecting and rehabilitating the environment, providing economic opportunities for Ktunaxa communities and citizens and protecting Ktunaxa culture and language.”

“The strong relationship between the Ktunaxa Nation and Teck is fundamental to continued responsible resource development in the Elk Valley,” said Don Lindsay, President and CEO of Teck. “This agreement reflects our shared focus on ensuring the environment is protected, while also providing sustainable economic opportunities for the people and communities of the region for years to come.”

The agreement will be implemented through three joint working groups with equal representation from the Ktunaxa Nation Council and Teck: an Environmental Working Group, Cultural Working Group and Procurement and Employment Operational Working Group.