Ya’ thi Néné Lands and Resources (YNLR) has signed an agreement with another exploration company.

The not for profit organization, which represents Hatchet Lake, Black Lake and Fond-du-Lac Denesuline First Nations along with the northern communities of Stony Rapids, Uranium City, Wollaston Lake and Camsell Portage announced the signing of the exploration agreement with CanAlaska Uranium in a media release sent out Monday.

The exploration agreement, will see CanAlaska and YNLR work together on a range of issues including employment and training along with environment stewardship. The newly signed agreement as well has provisions related to compensation for harvesters and contributions to YNLR’s community trust.

CanAlaska Uranium CEO Cory Belyk said the company is a leading explorer and generator of world class projects in the Athabasca Basin. He explained they value the working partnership with the people in the region.

“We are proud to be able to contribute to their mission of protecting the land and promoting the people,” he said.

Mary Denechezhe, Elder and Board Chair for YNLR said the signing of the agreement is important in protecting the land and traditions of the area. She added the agreement is also important in regards to economic development for people in the area.

“We look forward to their contributions to our community trust and the contracting and employment opportunities they will bring for our northern people,” she said.