Partnering with Indigenous Peoples, communities, and businesses is critical to building inclusive, sustainable, and resilient natural resource sectors in Canada. A robust approach to enabling Indigenous economic participation in resource projects, especially critical mineral projects, is a key part of advancing economic reconciliation - and fighting climate change while building strong and prosperous communities.
While in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories on April 10, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced $5 million in funding to Denendeh Exploration and Mining Company Ltd. (DEMCo) through the Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships (INRP) Program.
DEMCo is a 100% Dene (First Nation) owned mineral exploration and mining company. DEMCo identified the Camsell River mineral property in the Northwest Territories as a promising site for iron-oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) and potential critical minerals. To promote the development of the former silver mine site, INRP funding will be utilized for initial project data collection, as well as planning and engagement efforts among Indigenous communities.
