Neighborhood
The Cree communities directly impacted by the project are those of Ouje Bougoumou (Mont Sorcier site and railway section) and Mistissini (Mont Sorcier site), as well as the Jamesian population, particularly those of Chibougamau, who are considered direct stakeholders in the project. These communities constitute the project’s social influence zone and were defined based on existing and historical socio-economic and/or ecosystemic links with the project area, as well as their geographical proximity to the project. Voyager Metals Inc. is proud to be part of this unique and dynamic regional community with a rich history and a promising future.
Relations with the indigenous and non-indigenous communities were initiated in 2021 with the main individuals and organizations involved in the project, at an early stage of its development. Since then, these relationships have been maintained and gradually expanding to include all populations and organizations interested in or affected by the Mont Sorcier project.
CHIBOUGAMAU
Chibougamau is the largest city in northern Québec, Canada. Located on the shores of Lake Chibougamau, it is one of the four cities that make up the James Bay Eeyou Istchee Regional Government. The town has a population of over 7,500 and has become the main service point for the surrounding communities.
Mining has played a significant role in the development of Chibougamau with copper being first exploited in 1949, leading to the opening of a multi-metallic mine in the area, and the establishment of a permanent community in 1952. Chibougamau started out as a company town, but soon after, in 1954, it was incorporated as a municipality. Today, it is not only thought of as a mining town but also the center of a large logging and sawmill industry.
As a mining company, Voyager Metals understands the importance of sustainable development, and we are committed to minimizing our environmental impact. We are also dedicated to contributing to the local vitality and providing training and employment opportunities to the local community and supporting local businesses.
OUJE BOUGOUMOU & MISTISSINI
Mont Sorcier is located on Ouje Bougoumou and Mistissini shared territory. Ouje Bougoumou and Mistissini are part of the 11 communities that make up the Grand Cree Nation within the territory of Eeyou Istchee. The population of Ouje Bougoumou is made up of more than 900 members and that of Mistissini of more than 3700 members.
Considering that mining prospecting has been going on for over 100 years on their territory, it is only recently that Ouje Bougoumou and Mistissini, like all the communities, have had a say in the development of natural resources on their territory. The James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, signed in 1975, was the turning point in integrating concerted consultation procedures between the three levels of government: Cree, provincial and federal. Over the years, the Cree First Nation have developed an expertise and an approach that respects their culture and their relationship with the territory. Most recently, Cree Nation Government has reviewed its Cree Nation Mining Policy, guiding mineral exploration and mining activities within Eeyou Istchee. The policy aims to ensure these activities are conducted sustainably and respectfully of Cree rights and interests. It is in this context that Voyager Metals intends to pursue its relationship with these communities, and the company is proud of the dialogue initiated at the preliminary stage of project design and intends to maintain it throughout the development of the project.
OTHER FIRST NATIONS CONCERNED BY MONT SORCIER PROJECT
By relying on CN’s railway to transport iron ore concentrate to the Port of Saguenay, the Mont Sorcier Project intersects the territory of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh (Innus of Mashteuiatsh). While transportation-related effects are expected to remain limited, export by way of the Saguenay Fjord and the St. Lawrence River may nonetheless be of interest to other Frist Nations communities along the shipping route.