Abitibiwinni First Nation Council and GreenFirst Forest Products Sign 5-Year Collaboration Agreement

The Abitibiwinni First Nation Council, also known as the Pikogan, with territory located three kilometers from the town of Amos Quebec on the west side of the Harricana River, and GreenFirst Forest Products recently announced the conclusion of a 5-year collaboration agreement aimed at providing for mitigation, accommodation, and compensation measures in relation to the impact that the company’s activities could have on the Abitibiwinni Aki territory and rights.

According to the GreenFirst news release, the recently signed agreement is based on trust and mutual respect, resulting from a common desire to formalize an already well-established relationship. The agreement provides for the manner in which the parties will interact to ensure harmonious cohabitation on the territory and provides plans for agreeing on the way of operating to protect the sites of interest and minimize the impacts.

The agreement includes training to raise awareness on First Nations realities for the company’s employees. Mechanisms to promote the hiring and retention of Abitibiwinni First Nation members within GreenFirst are planned through internships, employment, or contracts. It also promotes business opportunities on both sides and supports infrastructure development projects in the community.

A work plan has been agreed upon and the implementation of the agreement is ensured by a bipartite monitoring committee.