Michipicoten First Nation is…

Michipicoten First Nation is the most proximate treaty First Nation closest to the Island Gold Mine. Michipicoten has never been consulted on the mine when it was owned by Richmont and with great difficulty MIchipicoten concluded an MOU with Roichmont during the sale of the asset to Alamos that is binding on Alamos Gold. We started communications with Alamos when they acquired the asset but for whatever reasons, Alamos broke off all communications and never responded to Michipicoten despite Michipicoten's repeated attempts to engage. Michipicoten needs to be consulted on the mine in general and especially on this ECA Permit. Most companies provide the permits in advance of filing them to provide ample time and opportunity for our community to engage in a fullsome and transparent consultation process. Chief Patricia Tangie will be filing a letter of opposition to the permit until such time that Alamos engages with Michipicoten on a proper consultation. We expect MECP to uphold the Honour of the Crown and compel Alamos to properly consult with Michipicoten on this permit and the impacts of the mine in general on Michipicoten's treaty and Aboriginal rights. Our extensive consultation on the neighboring Prodigy Magino Mine reveals a growing phosphorous loading problem developing in the region and the phosphorous contributes to an increased methlymercury profile. Give the Magino and Island Gold Mines are contiguous to each other where one can walk from one mine to the other, we have reason to believe that there is an existing phosphorous loading problem with the Island Gold Mine and also no one has studied the cumulative impacts of both mines. Chief Patricia Tangie's to the CEO remain unanswered and after an extended period of time, Alamos management recently visited the Chief and Council but made no mention of the intention to file this permit. We request a teleconference/meeting with MECP to discuss this permit and to seek the MInistry's support in compelling Alamos to act honourably through consultation and accommodation.