Question Period Note: Request for Apology and Compensation on behalf of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation

• We are aware that Yellowknives Dene First Nations wrote to officially request the implementation of a Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination table to engage with Canada on the Giant Mine Legacy.

• Through funding and sharing information, the Department has been working with the Yellowknives Dene First Nations for the past few years to investigate the legacy of Giant Mine.

• We are committed to continued engagement and work with the Yellowknives Dene First Nations in order to find a resolution to the request for apology and compensation.

N/A

If pressed on the Yellowknives statement that Canada had knowledge about the risks of harm to the First Nations from Giant Mine (81 words)

• Our government is working to right a historical wrong, advance reconciliation and support the treaty relationship with the Yellowknives Dene First Nations.

• The recent approval of the Type A Water License for the Giant Mine Remediation Project means the project can now move into active remediation, with active on-site remediation set to begin in 2021.

• We will continue to work with the Government of the Northwest Territories, Indigenous partners, and other stakeholders to advance the cleanup and remediation of Giant Mine.
If pressed on the historical record assessment (80):

• We recognize the tremendous work undertaken by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation

• The Department provided $308,000 over the past three years to the First Nation to research and assess their historical record to support their formal request.

• The information that resulted from the assessment of the historical record will help determine next steps on this long-standing issue.

• We are committed to working with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and appreciate the opportunity to continue to work together on the path toward reconciliation and healing.

If pressed on status of the remediation work at the Giant Mine site (94 words):

• Our Government continues to work with the Government of the Northwest Territories, Indigenous rights holders and partners, and other stakeholders to advance the cleanup and remediation of Giant Mine.
• The Giant Mine Remediation Project funds three positions within the Yellowknives Dene First Nation including, the Community Consultation and Liaison Officer, the Health Effects Community Liaison, and the Economic Development Officer
• The five-year land use permit was issued on August 7, 2020 and the twenty-year water licence was issued on September 16, 2020.
• Remediation of the Giant Mine site is expected to start in 2021.