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NEW REPORT HIGHLIGHTS INITIATIVES TO INCREASE ABORIGINAL PARTICIPATION IN MINING

Iqaluit, Nunavut (April 19, 2006) - The 13th annual report on Aboriginal participation in mining in Canada, entitled “Mechanisms for Aboriginal Community Benefits,” was released today.

On behalf of the Intergovernmental Working Group Sub-committee on Aboriginal Participation in Mining, the report was released by the Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Economic Development & Transportation Minister of the Government of Nunavut and the Honourable Jim Prentice, federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.

The report shows examples of key benefits provided by the mining industry to Aboriginal communities across Canada including jobs, education, training and skill development. For example, 36 percent of the 725 workers at the Diavik Diamond Mine in Northwest Territories are Northern Aboriginal people and Nunavut's Jericho Diamond Mine will have a target of 60 percent of its workforce being Inuit.

"Inuit have an innate attachment to the land and its resources. Through their skills and knowledge building, Nunavummiut are well positioned to work cooperatively with and benefit from the growing minerals industry in Nunavut. The report shares good practices and challenges from across Canada which we can all build on," said Minister Akesuk.

“I’m pleased to see the latest version of this valuable report,” said Minister Prentice. “Since the first report was released we’ve seen a lot of positive progress. The new report continues to highlight the commitment of all partners, including the Government of Canada, to ensuring that Aboriginal communities are benefiting from mineral development.”

“This is a valuable report, documenting all the hard work, experience and lessons learned by the mining industry, Aboriginal communities and governments as we work together to encourage Aboriginal participation in mining,” added Gordon Peeling, President and CEO of the Mining Association of Canada. “The largest private sector employer of Aboriginal Canadians today, the mining industry has much to offer in terms of career opportunities, economic and business development and the acquisition of new skills.”

Contributions to the report were made by the provincial and territorial governments, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Natural Resources Canada and national organizations involved in the mineral industry. These organizations included: the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, Mining Association of Canada, Canadian Aboriginal Mining Association, Mining Industry Training and the Adjustment Council, as well as the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.

This and previous annual reports are available online by clicking the Aboriginal participation in mining link on the following website: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/nap/minmin_e.html

For more information please contact:

Gordon MacKay, P. Geo.
Director, Minerals & Petroleum Resources,
Government of Nunavut
Tel: (867) 975-7822
Fax: (867) 975-7870
Email: gmackay@gov.nu.ca / www.gov.nu.ca

Media Inquiries Line
Media Relations Unit
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Tel: (819)953-1160

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