Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Phil Fontaine and Jim Cowans, chair of the Mining Association of Canada (MAC), signed a Memorandum of Understanding March 9.

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Phil Fontaine and Jim Cowans, chair of the Mining Association of Canada (MAC), signed a Memorandum of Understanding March 9 that will see the mining industry strengthen its engagement with First Nations economies creating employment and business opportunities.

The initiative began when the AFN and MAC signed a Letter of Intent in November 2007. The resulting dialogue has built partnerships between individual companies and communities of both organizations.

"In resource development, First Nations and the mining community are natural partners," said Fontaine. "Developing a new partnership between the AFN and MAC will complement and enhance the growing relationships between First Nations and Canada's major mining companies."

"Canada's mining industry is the largest private sector employer of Aboriginal people," noted Gowans, who is also president and CEO of De Beers Canada. "Across Canada, mining companies and First Nations communities have agreements in place that include commitments on hiring, training, business development and environmental practices. We believe this growing relationship will be strengthened through dialogue and partnership with the AFN."