TORONTO (miningweekly.com) – The Canadian government this week made funding available to communities in the Northwest Territories to assist them to prepare for major resource development activity in the region.

Environment Minister and Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) Minister Leona Aglukkaq on Tuesday announced funding for three projects that were expected to assist communities as they negotiate impact benefit agreements (IBAs) or cooperation agreements with mining companies pursuing major projects in the Northwest Territories.

The resulting agreements would aim to address employment, training and business opportunities for Aboriginal communities during the construction and operation of the mine.

"Our government recognises the tremendous opportunities in the North's resource development sector, and supports responsible development that benefits Northerners,” Aglukkaq said in Yellowknife.

CanNor's investment of $92 715 helped the Tlicho government successfully negotiate an IBA with diamond major De Beers Canada for the Gahcho Kué mine project. The IBA was signed on January 27. Further, a CanNor investment of $96 500 would aim to help the Deninu Ku'e First Nation negotiate a cooperation agreement with De Beers Canada for the same project.

Similarly, a CanNor investment of $117 000 would aim to help the Tlicho government negotiate an IBA with Fortune Minerals for the Nico cobalt/bismuth/gold/copper project.

"The capacity of Aboriginal governments is supported by these types of investments. These capacity investments are central to strengthening our ability to pursue resource development while we maintain our culture, language and way of life,” Tlicho grand chief Eddie Erasmus said.

Deninu K'ue First Nations chief Louis Balsillie added that without the assistance of CanNor, the First Nation would not be able to negotiate an agreement with De Beers Canada.

“This IBA is a certain step forward for our First Nation on the road to prosperity, economic independence and long-awaited recognition by industry of our traditional territory,” he said.