Kaska and Hard Creek Nickel Reach Agreement
October 15 2008 - 4:44PM
Marketwired
Hard Creek Nickel Corporation (TSX: HNC) -
Cat Lee, Chief of the Dease River Band Council, Walter Carlick,
Deputy Chief of Daylu Dena Council, Donny VanSomer, Chief of the
Kwadacha First Nation, Dave Porter, Chairman of the Kaska Dena
Council and Mark Jarvis, President of Hard Creek Nickel Corporation
(TSX: HNC) are pleased to announce the signing of their
"Cornerstone Agreement". The Agreement is designed to be the
foundation of a respectful, cooperative and progressive
relationship to facilitate the development of Hard Creek's
Turnagain Project. An integral aspect of this Agreement is that it
is based on mutual rights recognition.
The Agreement addresses present needs in that it contains
important commitments by both the Kaska Dena and Hard Creek towards
environmental protection, economic opportunities and benefits,
education and training. Looking to the future, the Agreement
provides for the negotiation of a Socio-Economic Participation
Agreement to be completed concerning the development and is
scheduled to be completed as part of the feasibility process for
the Project.
"This is an important milestone in the process of building a
mutually respectful relationship with the Kaska Dena," said Mark
Jarvis, President of Hard Creek Nickel. "Responsible development
includes respecting the interests of Aboriginal Peoples. We look
forward to a long and positive relationship with the Kaska Dena to
bring this project to a reality."
Dave Porter of the Kaska Dena Council commented, "Following the
momentous First Nations Leadership Mining Summit to develop a
province-wide action plan for engaging both the Crown and industry,
the completion of this Agreement serves as a positive and
constructive example that First Nations can work progressively with
Industry partners. This Agreement acknowledges that our Aboriginal
Peoples' rights recognition provides a basis for a mutually
beneficial partnership. If our relationship continues to be
constructive and positive, if our customs, practice and traditions
continue unhindered, if our environment and lands are preserved,
our communities may support the development of this prospective
mine."
CAT LEE, Chief
DEASE RIVER BAND COUNCIL
WALTER CARLICK, Deputy Chief
DAYLU DENA COUNCIL
DONNY VAN SOMER, Chief
KWADACHA FIRST NATION
DAVE PORTER, Chairman
KASKA DENA COUNCIL
MARK JARVIS, President
HARD CREEK NICKEL CORPORATION
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or adequacy of this news release.
Contacts: Hard Creek Nickel Corporation Mark Jarvis President
(604) 681-2300 (604) 681-2310 (FAX) Email: info@hardcreek.com
Website: www.hardcreeknickel.com