LiardLiardLiardLiard First First First First Nation Nation Nation Nation

Watson Lake YTWatson Lake YTWatson Lake YTWatson Lake YT

Liard Resource Summit 2010 “I believe the elders and people of the

land need to learn what the land has to

Walking a mile in another’s moccasins…

It’s a familiar saying, but nothing could more aptly describe the

Elder’s workshops on Day One of the Liard Resource Summit as they

role-played three points of view—a Mining Company, Liard First

Nation, and Government.

After a short term as CEO of the “Where

They Dig Out Rocks Mining Company,” Leda

Jules and her Board of Directors concluded

they were willing to give more

than the $10,000 requested by

the First Nation for resolving

issues. “ We want to work well

with Liard First Nation,” she

said.

“We want to resolve transporta-

tion issues. We believe in train-

ing and jobs for youth. We are

prepared to offer more for en-

vironmental studies,” she

added, responding to the con-

cerns of the Liard First Nation

team.

Commenting on the role-playing event the following day,” Leda

recognized that “Our role play showed us what we want to see from

mining companies.”

“I believe the elders and people of the

land need to learn what the land has to

offer the Liard First Nation,” said Leda Jules in her role as Mining Co. CEO. “We

will provide funding to have the elders

come out and show us where their burial

sites are and the areas where we hunt

and have traditional activities,” she said.

Government What can we do to help?

Putting on the shoes of government officials, Alex’s group

concluded that government should bring everyone involved

together to negotiate. By meeting together, there will be a greater possibility of understanding each other’s priorities and

concerns, so that they can work together to provide solutions.

This process could apply to Selwyn,” Alex Morrison con-cluded. “Government, the Company and Liard First Nation

could plan together. Jobs are not the only matter at stake.

Our elders expect our shareholders (LFN citizens) to profit at

the end of the day. And environment is a major concern. We

can’t wait to get involved after problems occur so benefits

need to come after environmental considerations are settled.

I appreciate the Elders participating in the role play and the wisdom we have all gained by looking at each other’s point of

view.”

Facilitator Jo Harris summed up other

insights learned from the exercise:

• Don’t be afraid to ask for too much

• Listen to each other

• Be prepared and know what to ask

• It’s all about communication

• Stimulate questions to ask and be

involved as a community

• The mining company, government

and First Nation should all be respect-

ful of each other.

• Role playing is a good way to learn to communicate and

improve listening skills

• Companies that have difficulties have poor

listening and communication skills.

133D Industrial Road, Whitehorse Y1A 2V2 (867) 668-6850 email: am_lfndc@yahoo.ca

November 2010 Liard First Nation Development Corporation

Summit Highlights

Congratulations Graduates!

Seven graduates of the Multi-Equipment Program

(Hydraulic Excavator, Tracked Bulldozer, Wheel Loader, Backhoe Loader and Skid Steer Loader)

sponsored by the Yukon Mine Training Association

were presented with Certificates on the opening day

of the Liard Resource Summit.

“These seven members have set the bar for further

training,” said Cynthia Kearns, YMTA Training

Liaison Worker. “They have been exceptional

students in the classroom and in field work. We’re

very pleased with the success of this project,” she said.

Following the presentation

of certificates by their Instructor, Chief Liard

McMillan provided each

graduate with a gift on

behalf of Liard First Nation.

“These men provide an

excellent example what can

be accomplished as we work in partnership with YMTA and others to build capacity within our First

Nation. YMTA continues to be a significant sup-

porter of our goals and community, “ he added.

Multi-Equipment Program Graduates —”Exceptional Students”

Top Row, left to right, William Dickson, Darren Dickson, Nathan Stewart,

Kavan Schilling, Cynthia Kearns, Graham Gifford - Heavy Equipment Instructor,

Shane Magun, Shian Wolfe, Deanna McDonald, Chief Liard McMillan.

Bottom Row: Darryl Stewart, Jimmy Wolftail, Albert Morris

James Ross tells it like it is! “I have seen many battles opposing mine

development that affects communities.

In each conflict it was interesting how the

fight to protect land and water from re-

source development that could be harm-

ful was not done by our governments of

the day. The last line of defense has been

First Nations.”

Having said that, James added he was not opposed to development as long it

is done in an orderly way. “There are a lot of mining projects that co-exist with

Native groups. Some companies have learned its worth it to learn about the First Nation people and their land and adapt their projects to what is impor-

tant to the people. Successful companies know how to present themselves

and meet with the people. They prepare before they meet you. Companies

have options they can pursue to make it work. They will often start with the

cheapest way and move up from there.”

It’s not all about saying no to companies. Lots of young people need training

and work to get food on the table and companies need to be involved in this.”

James indicated there were many ways to work with mining companies to

reap economic benefits right away from economic development including

working with them to provide services, supporting individual entrepreneurs, profit sharing, expediting, and partnering with large, successful First Nation

businesses across Canada. Liard First Nation Development Corporation is

involved in or currently pursuing many of the options.

Liard First Nation Liard First Nation Liard First Nation Liard First Nation

Liard First Nation Box 328, Watson Lake, Yukon Y1A 1C0 867) 536-5201

Listening to the Heartbeat of our Community

“As resource development is inevitably going to

impact our land and our growth as a people

and as a community, we recognize there will be

questions, criticisms, comments (and hope-

fully compliments) as we walk through this

process.

Rest assured I’m listening – in my capacity as

Chief and Chairman of the LFNDC Board and

as an LFN Citizen— and along with your Coun-

cilors and LFNDC Board Members. In fact, we

want to encourage open dialogue and free

speech among members. We’re all in this

journey together and although the path is not

perfect, I believe we all share a similar vision for

our destination.” Chief Liard McMillan