INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT
Frontier Lithium recognizes the importance of developing and maintaining strong relationships with Indigenous peoples through shared values of honesty, respect and open communication.
Need more information?
Contact Clara Lauziere
Director, Sustainability
Cell: 249-885-4506
Office: 705-897-7622
Indigenous Communities
The PAK Lithium Project is in northwestern Ontario, with several communities located less than 75km from the site.
For the past decade, Frontier Lithium has been working to build relationships with communities within the broader region surrounding the PAK Lithium Project, including those identified to date by the government:
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Deer Lake First Nation
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North Spirit Lake First Nation
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Sandy Lake First Nation
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Keewaywin First Nation
We seek positive, enduring partnerships based on clear, transparent, and respectful communication.
Indigenous Participation in the PAK Lithium Project
Engaging and consulting Indigenous communities and people on mining projects is not only a matter of respect and rights but also a crucial element for the sustainable and ethical development of such projects.
Recognizing the deep connection that Indigenous peoples have with their lands and the wealth of traditional knowledge they hold, it's essential for mining companies like Frontier to actively involve these communities in every stage of the mining process.
Indigenous Principles
Frontier Lithium recognizes the importance of developing and maintaining strong relationships with Indigenous peoples advanced through shared values of honesty, respect and open communication. To support those relationships, the following principles will guide our work:
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We recognize that Indigenous peoples were the original inhabitants of the land that became Canada.
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We recognize the special relationship between Indigenous people and the land that has formed over millenia and we seek to learn and incorporate traditional knowledge into our decisions.
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We are committed to sustainability and recognize the need to preserve the environment for use by future generations.
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We respect that each community has its own distinctive culture, traditions, values and aspirations.
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We actively seek to structure our projects in ways that provide social, cultural and economic benefits consistent with the aspirations of those communities with which we partner.
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We engage in timely, respectful and meaningful consultation with the goal of achieving free, prior and informed consent on new projects.
Developing a Consultation Plan
Guided by Indigenous Principles, our commitment to collaboration and mutual respect will be reflected in Frontier's Consultation Plan, which is about respecting rights and about collaborating with communities in designing the mine.
Frontier is committed to supporting Communities in understanding the project, and its impacts in order to make good decisions. As Communities determine their roll in this process, Frontier will support as required, and look forward to collaboratively developing a Consultation Plan that works for everyone.
Consultation efforts will continue to grow as the project develops. Such initiatives not only ensure that mining activities are conducted responsibly but also help in building lasting, positive relationships with Indigenous communities.
Frontier in Community
Beyond our specific project, Frontier Lithium is committed to supporting the long-term well-being and development of neighbouring Indigenous communities through investments in education, youth, and community initiatives.
One example of this commitment is the Sam Meekis Memorial Scholarship, a longstanding education bursary renamed to honour the late Sam Meekis of Sandy Lake First Nation. Sam was a valued member of the Frontier Lithium team whose contributions to the PAK Lithium Project helped strengthen relationships between Frontier and the communities connected to the project.
The Sam Meekis Memorial Scholarship reflects Frontier Lithium's commitment to creating pathways to opportunity, learning, and hope for Indigenous youth. Through an annual investment of $20,000, four scholarships valued at $5,000 each will be awarded annually to one student from Sandy Lake First Nation, Deer Lake First Nation, North Spirit Lake First Nation, and Keewaywin First Nation.
By supporting Indigenous students in achieving their educational goals, the scholarship recognizes the importance of investing in future leaders and honours Sam Meekis' legacy of dedication, respect, and community connection.
Check back soon for more information on how to apply for the Sam Meekis Memorial Scholarship