The Indigenous Peoples in the local communities around our operations are one of Hecla’s most important partners. We recognize the importance of open and respectful dialogue and have worked diligently to create partnerships for regular communications and opportunities to develop and maintain long-term relationships.
Our local economic impacts include the hiring of First Nation workers as employees and contractors. For example:
Our Casa Berardi property is located on the traditional territory of the Abitibiwinni First Nation, from the Pikogan community, and we have prioritized building a strong connection with this community since Hecla’s acquisition of the mine in 2013. We have a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Hecla Quebec and the Abitibiwinni First Nation Community Council regarding exploration and mining activities, as well as a cooperation agreement on meaningful participation for community members in training programs, employment and advancement opportunities, business opportunities, and environmental protection measures. The agreement creates a mechanism that allows the Abitibiwinni First Nation community to benefit financially from the long-term success of the projects. In 2024, Hecla representatives met with the Abitibiwinni First Nation Community Council to provide an update on implementation of the agreement and continue our constructive relationship.
At our Keno Hill operation, we have a Comprehensive Cooperation and Benefits Agreement with the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun (FNNND) government. In 2024, we held a planning session for the first five-year review of the Agreement since Hecla acquired the Keno Hill property and launched a technical working group with the FNNND to engage in our mining operations. In 2024, Hecla received an award from the Yukon Chamber of Mines for our “collaborative and solution-oriented approach” to meaningful engagement with the FNNND and the NNDDC.
Our commitment to mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous Peoples is reflected in Hecla’s policy on a respectful workplace. We provide training in sensitivity to Indigenous issues in our new- hire training. At Casa Berardi, we provided intercultural training to every supervisor, superintendent, and other management-level employee in partnership with a member of the Abitibiwinni First Nation. In 2024, Hecla engaged a First Nation-owned and operated consulting firm to provide training to the Keno Hill leadership team on Yukon First Nation history and culture. Employees and contractors who work at the Hollister mine are required to receive additional cultural resource training.
Loralee Johnstone, Hecla’s Director of Indigenous Affairs and Canadian Community Relations, received the King Charles III Coronation Medal. This prestigious recognition celebrates Loralee’s unwavering dedication to championing responsible and sustainable mining practices throughout the Yukon. The Coronation Medal commemorates the Coronation of His Majesty, King Charles III, as King of Canada. The medal is administered by the Chancellery of Honors at Rideau Hall in Ottawa and is a national honor awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service and dedication to their communities.
Casa Berardi maintains an AAA performance level – the highest score possible – for three out of five Indigenous and Community Relations Indicators. The TSM protocol also sets high standards for our engagement practices with First Nations communities and other local stakeholders.
We work with partners from the Abitibiwinni First Nation in a working group on jobs and training which aims to collaborate on areas such as distribution of job and internship opportunities, pre-employment preparation and barriers to employment, recruitment and progression, and working conditions.
In Alaska, the Hecla Charitable Foundation partnered with the Angoon Youth Conservation Corps for the ninth year in a row. This program provides job opportunities in environmental stewardship for Native youth in the Admiralty Island National Monument, the Kootznoowoo Wilderness, and the village of Angoon.
Photo: Josh Orem, AYCC Youth Leader
Our employees and Hecla give back to communities in a variety of ways such as volunteerism and local donations.
