THE NEGOTIATION

In 1992, Falconbridge went to inform the people of Kangiqsujuaq and Salluit of its intention to develop the Raglan oreOre: the naturally-occurring material (rock) from which minerals are extracted through breaking down and processing. bodies, and to ask, “How can we contribute to your community?” It quickly became clear that the company confined its ideas of a “contribution” to little more than basic community projects.

The people were not happy. In an earlier consultation between themselves, the company, the regional government, and several provincial ministries, they had made their concerns clear. They wanted to participate in the development and its economic spin-offs, not just observe it. They did not wish to abandon their traditional pursuits, despite their interest in employment for wages. They were also concerned about the effect mining would have on the environment and on the number of southern people coming to their lands. In 1993 they asked Makivik to intervene on their behalf and negotiate with Falconbridge.³

The Inuit knew they wanted to benefit from the mine. Their position in negotiations was weakened by the fact the Raglan property was not on Inuit land. Still, they had two leverageLeverage: strategic advantage or the power to act effectively. In negotiation, leverage is a measure of which side, at any given moment, has a greater ability to influence the other side. points. First, Falconbridge needed a provincial Environmental AssessmentEnvironmental Assessment: a written report, compiled prior to a production decision that examines the effects that proposed mining activities will have on the natural surroundings. Certificate for Raglan. If the Inuit opposed the mine, Falconbridge’s chances of getting the certificate would be in serious jeopardy. Second, the Inuit had claims pending to the margins of Hudson’s Bay and Hudson Strait. If these claims were recognized, the Inuit would have offshore jurisdiction that would threaten the passage of Falconbridge ships. 

With Makivik’s intervention, a Memorandum of UnderstandingRegarding Negotiation of an Agreementin Respect of the Mining Project Near Deception River⁴ was drawn up. It outlined principles concerning the environment, employment, training, and compensationCompensation: something (such as money) given or received as payment or reparation (as for a service or loss or injury). that would form the basis for negotiation of an IBA with Falconbridge.

After two years of intensive negotiations, the Raglan Agreement was concluded on February 28, 1995. There were six signatoriesSignatory: any person or organization who has signed as a signatory to a document or agreement. to the agreement: Falconbridge, Makivik, the villages of Kangiqsujuaq and Salluit, and the land-holding companies of each village.