Denison Mines Corp. is pleased to announce the signing of an Impact Benefit Agreement between Denison and the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (“MN–S”), 13 MN–S Locals, MN-S Northern Region 1 (“MN–S NR-1”), and MN–S Northern Region 3 (“MN–S NR-3”) (collectively, the “Métis Parties”). The IBA confirms the Métis Parties’ consent to and support for the development and operation of Denison’s flagship Wheeler River Project (the “Project”) in northern Saskatchewan. In addition, the parties have also entered into an Exploration Agreement (the “Exploration Agreement”) covering Denison’s exploration and evaluation activities within MN–S NR-1 and MN–S NR-3 of the Métis Homeland (see Figure 1).
MN–S President Glen McCallum said, “Denison Mines recognized its duty to consult with MN- S Regions, MN–S Locals, and communities on the Wheeler River Project early in the planning stages. All parties have been negotiating since 2019. The MN–S commends Denison’s commitment to environmental reclamation post-project and stability for citizens into the future. Today’s IBA not only represents enormous economic opportunities for Métis families, but a milestone in our government’s relationship with Denison and other industry partners.”
David Cates, President and CEO of Denison, commented, “We extend our sincere appreciation to the leadership of the MN–S, MN–S NR-1, MN–S NR-3, and the 13 MN–S Locals for trusting Denison to advance the Wheeler River Project within the Métis Homeland. Since the beginning of our engagement with the MN–S, our team has remained deeply committed to building a long-lasting relationship grounded in trust, transparency, and mutual respect. Formalizing both the IBA and the Exploration Agreement reflects the progress we have made together, and also our shared commitment to ensuring that the interests, knowledge, and voices of Métis citizens in Saskatchewan are meaningfully incorporated into the construction and future operation of the Project and Denison’s exploration and evaluation activities in MN–S NR-1 and MN–S NR-3.”
Laura Burnouf, Regional Director of MN–S NR-1 said, “Northern Saskatchewan is not only rich in natural resources, it is vibrant with the culture, tradition, and language of a distinct people. Denison’s engagement with our Métis communities and its focus on local talent brings economic and employment opportunities to our Region and surrounding communities at a time when we face challenges with homelessness and addictions. The strong partnership between all of our impacted Métis Regions and Locals, MN–S, and Denison Mines is a reflection of how we believe in progress and are more than willing to collaborate with industry to better the outlook for our citizens.”
Regional Director of MN–S NR3, Minister Brennan Merasty, remarked, “Respecting our inherent and constitutionally protected rights as Métis citizens, our communities in the north have been engaged with Denison for six years. Today’s signing means our Region, and surrounding communities will see significant cultural, economic, and employment benefits to be provided through this partnership. Our citizens’ voices deserved to be at the negotiating table, and we will continue to work alongside Denison as the Wheeler River Project advances forward.”
The IBA was entered into by Denison (on its own behalf and as operator on behalf of the Wheeler River Joint Venture), the MN–S, MN–S NR-1, MN–S NR-3 and each of the following MN–S Locals within MN–S NR-1 or MN–S NR-3, which are comprised of citizens who live and practice traditional activities in the vicinity of the Wheeler River Project: Uranium City Local 50, Stony Rapids Local 80, La Ronge Local 19, Weyakwin Local 16, Timber Bay Local 20, Patuanak Local 82, Île-à-la-Crosse Local 21, Canoe River Local 174, Jans Bay Local 38, Beauval Local 37, Cole Bay Local 41, Dore/Sled Lake Local 67, and Green Lake Local 5 (collectively, the “Métis Locals“).
Impact Benefit Agreement
The IBA acknowledges that the Project is located within the Métis Homeland and emphasizes a shared commitment to ensuring that the successful execution of the Project meaningfully supports the Métis Parties’ broader social and economic priorities. This agreement sets out a framework for a long-term cooperative relationship grounded in openness, environmental stewardship, and respect for Métis interests. The IBA affirms that Project development can contribute to long-term community well-being while also reinforcing the joint responsibility to protect the surrounding lands, waters, and wildlife. The parties commit to reducing environmental risks while upholding the values central to the Métis Parties.
The IBA also includes specific commitments for sharing the benefits generated by the Project, including community investment initiatives, contracting and business development opportunities, training and employment pathways, designated forms of financial participation, and opportunities for the Métis Parties and their citizens to participate in environmental monitoring.
Together the commitments in the IBA reflect a joint vision for collaboration and establish a framework through which Denison and the Métis Parties can work side by side to ensure that the Project contributes to a sustainable and resilient future for Métis citizens in Saskatchewan.
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