Centerra recognizes the diversity of Indigenous groups on the lands on which we operate and respects the rights, lands, traditions, culturally sensitive areas, values, interests and aspirations of these Indigenous groups.

We work in partnership and close cooperation with Indigenous groups to ensure their effective representation and input on our proposed activities. We are committed to working in a relationship of care, respect, understanding and trust and to ensuring our work promotes the full realization of the social, economic and cultural rights of Indigenous groups.

Centerra’s principles and values with respect to engagement with Indigenous peoples include:

• Build respectful relationships through early, inclusive dialogue and collaborative engagement processes
• Integrate information from the results of Indigenous engagement to inform our management plans, in consideration of cultural heritage and environmental stewardship, and request Indigenous groups to review our plans
• Support local content opportunities that provide Indigenous groups with benefits from our operations, including training and education
• Create shared value with our Indigenous partners and local communities, support their development priorities and provide strategic social investments to build long-term self-reliance
• Fair access to employment, procurement and business development

Timely and proactive engagement occurs with all Indigenous groups that may be affected by Centerra’s operations or activities in British Columbia, often above and beyond government-led consultation.

In addition to engagement, Centerra Gold has a number of agreements in place with Indigenous groups in Canada. At Mount Milligan, a Socio-Economic Agreement was signed with McLeod Lake Indian Band in 2010, and in 2016 an Impact Benefit Agreement was entered into with Nak’azdli Whut’en.

To support the advancement of the Kemess Underground Project, a comprehensive Impact Benefit Agreement was signed in 2017 with Tsay Keh Nay, a collective of three Indigenous groups: Tsay Keh Dene, Takla Lake First Nation and Kwadacha Nation.

In 2023, Centerra formalized a partnership with the Gitxsan Wilp Nii Gyap to support cultural activities, education and environmental programs.

Our Story: 10th Anniversary Land Blessing Ceremony at Mount Milligan