January 30, 2025 – Kawawachikamach, Quebec
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach confirms that it has signed a Pre-Development Agreement (PDA) with Torngat Metals related to the Strange Lake rare earths project.
The PDA establishes a legally binding framework governing exploration and pre-development activities only. It does not provide consent to a mine, does not authorize construction, and does not waive or diminish any Naskapi Aboriginal or treaty rights.
The purpose of the agreement is to protect the Naskapi Nation, its homeland (Nuchimiyuschiiy), and the environment, while ensuring that any exploration activities occur only with Naskapi participation, oversight, and agreement.
The Naskapi Nation is encouraged by Torngat Metals’ commitment in the PDA; especially strong protections for the George River herd, as well as Naskapi training and employment.
Under Canadian and Québec law, mining companies may conduct certain exploration activities without Indigenous consent. The PDA contractually changes that reality by making Naskapi consultation, involvement, and agreement enforceable conditions of all covered activities.
The agreement applies to exploration and pre-development activities only. Any mine would require a separate Impact and Benefit Agreement (IBA), negotiated in the future. Without such an agreement, there is no Naskapi consent to a mine.
Key elements of the PDA include:
- Mandatory Naskapi participation in planning and oversight through a joint PDA Committee
- A Naskapi Community Liaison Officer and Land Guardians program
- Binding environmental and cultural protection measures
- Specific protections for the George River Caribou Herd, including a prohibition on any disturbance, such as drilling, from June 1 to July 31 during calving season
- Guaranteed information sharing and monitoring prior to any activity
- The right of the Naskapi Nation to withdraw if obligations are not respected
Whether a mine is ever considered in the future or not, it would be talked about through this PDA and future talks. This PDA reflects a decision taken solely under Naskapi governance to protect Naskapi rights, land, and responsibilities.
Contact Information
For inquiries about the Naskapi Nation, please contact:
ᐱᓐᒋᐱᓐ ᔭᓐᓴᐱᒡ | Benjamin Jancewicz
Creative Director
Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach
Phone: 808-673-3121
Email: BenjaminJancewicz@Naskapi.ca
P.O. Box 5111 Kawawachikamach, QC G0G 2Z0
For additional information regarding the Naskapi Nation’s involvement in the Strange Lake Project, please project, contact:
ᒐᐎᒥ ᐃᓂᔅ | Jeremy Einish
Mining Liaison Officer
Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach
Office: 418-585-2686 Ext. 256
Email: jeremy.einish@naskapi.ca
1009 Naskapi Road, Kawawachikamach, QC