Raglan Agreement: Celebrating 30 Years of Collaboration
On this February 28, Raglan Mine and its Nunavimmiut partners mark the 30th Anniversary of the Raglan Agreement. Three decades after this historic signing, the collaboration between the company and its partners is still very much alive and continues to generate tangible benefits for Inuit communities.
The Raglan Agreement was one of the first Impact Benefit Agreements (IBA) in Canada, marking a major turning point for both the industry and the Inuit communities in Nunavik. It established a framework rooted in the recognition of rights and culture, mutual respect and ongoing dialogue. Since its signing, Raglan Mine has worked to support Inuit employment and businesses, sought to build trust through open communication, and strived to operate responsibly with respect for the environment.
Raglan Mine is now one of the Nunavik's largest employers, with Inuit employees representing an annual payroll of $18 million. Inuit-owned businesses provide 25% of contracted services, driving local economic growth. The Agreement also includes a financial component, including profit sharing with local Inuit communities. Other initiatives resulting from the Agreement that support the Nunavik's socio-economic development include the Akkivik donations program, which has contributed over $1.4 million to community initiatives, as well as post-secondary scholarships for Inuit students, with nearly $600,000 in scholarships awarded to date.
"In 1995, we signed this Agreement to ensure that the company would leave a lasting legacy for future generations, well beyond the life of the mine. The work must continue, and the ways of doing things must keep evolving and improving with the objective of not only reaching our goal but going beyond our target employment numbers as well as ensuring the business community benefits from the contract opportunities brought by the operations of the Mine."
Pita Aatami, President of Makivvik
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Every year, community members from Salluit and Kangiqsujuaq visit the mining site. Part of the Raglan Agreement, this annual visit contributes to the relationship between Raglan Mine and the communities. It is an opportunity for the Inuit partners to better understand Raglan Mine's operations and to ask their questions about the mining activities.
As Inuit realities change and generational expectations evolve, Raglan Mine remains committed to innovation.
On this 30th Anniversary, Raglan Mine reaffirms its commitment to the signatories of the Raglan Agreement, to continue building together a sustainable future for Inuit communities and the territory.
Watch the Raglan Agreement Anniversary Video
