Far North Bands Promised Cigar Lake Opportunities

Thursday, March 23, 2006 at 14:50

Two important business opportunities were signed yesterday between chiefs of the Athabasca First Nations and Cigar Lake mining operations managers.

Cogema official Terry Rogers says an Athabasca joint venture company has signed a contract with the mine to finish the underground construction for the Cigar Lake operation with Points Athabasca Construction Ltd.

As well, the company has been given the future business opportunity of creating concrete support slabs used in the underground mining operations in the Athabasca area.

Black Lake First Nation Chief Freddie Throassie says it is important for the bands in the Far North to be involved and work with the mines to boost employment levels in their communities.

Also participating in yesterday’s signing ceremony and mine site tour were Fond du Lac Chief Victor Fern, Hatchet Lake Chief Louis Josie, Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Ron Michel and Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations vice-chiefs Lawrence Joseph and Guy Lonechild.