Tahltan Nation

Tahltan Central Council Signs Minining Deal
Posted February 18, 2006

Globe & Mail
February 13, 2006

First Nations NovaGold Project Approved

NovaGold Resources Inc. has signed a deal with the Tahltan Central Council to develop its Galore Creek copper-gold-silver project in northwestern BC.

The agreement means the project will be developed with the support and involvement of the Tahltan Ntaion and was approved by both the Tahltan Band and the Iskut First Nation, NovaGold said.

It will recognize the Tahltans' traditional rights, title and interests to the project area as well as NovaGold's rights to explore and develop mineral resources in the Galore Creek Valley and establish procedures to fully engage the Tahltan in all aspects of environmental protection.

As part of the deal, NovaGold will also ensure access to Tahltan businesses in order to maximize opportunities to supply goods and services throughout the mine's life.

It will make yearly contributions of at least $1 million to the Tahltan Heritage Trust Fund, which will be used to mitigte and adverse social and cultural impacts of mine development.

The Tahltan territory encompasses the Galore Creek project area as well as its proposed road and access corridors.

NovaGold's projects include Donlin Creek, a gold project in partnership with Placer Dome and the Ambler project in partnership with Rio Tinto, as well as Rock Creek, Big Hurrah and Nome Gold. Calore Creek is 150 kilometers northeast of Stewart.

- Canadian Press

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