Location
Canada
Red Lake Operations, the Lac Seul First Nation and Wabauskang First Nation have been collaborating and celebrating successes since signing the landmark Collaboration Agreement (also known as an Impact Benefits Agreement) in June 2025. The agreement provides a structured framework and implementation plan and reinforces our shared commitments to sustainable and long-term development honouring people, culture and land.
This work was recognised at the 2025 Cen Can Expo in Thunder Bay, where Red Lake Operations received the Legacy Builder Award for exceptional and lasting contributions to the mining industry and communities in which they operate. Our team was honoured to co-present with the Lac Seul First Nation at the event to share insights regarding the meaningful and respectful engagement that characterised the development and implementation of the plan. This recognition was profiled in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) here.
In support of this agreement, we have established implementation committees, maintained ongoing engagement with our partners, continued First Nations procurement through Shared Spirits – an economic branch of both nations – and continue to implement educational initiatives. Aligned with principles of open and honest communication, we welcomed Wabauskang First Nation representatives to Red Lake’s Cochenour site for a tour to gain further knowledge about the mining industry and our socially and environmentally responsible practices. Our Chief Operating Officer Matt O’Neill and Red Lake Operations Vice President John Penhall, along with other team members were also welcomed to Wabauskang First Nation by Chief Petiquan, Chief Bull of Lac Seul First Nation and council members. Read more about the visit here.
Red Lake has continued to invest in the future of mining in Northwestern Ontario through another successful year of the Mikinaak MineExcell Entry-Level Mining Training Program (read about our previous success here). The program was also supported by the Ontario Government, Sioux Lookout Friendship Accord and community and industry partners such as Major Drilling Canada and Byrnecut. Over 10 weeks, local community and First Nations participants gained experience in underground and processing operations, safety, cultural programming and career-readiness learning. At the end of the program, up to three participants gained full-time roles with Evolution, and the participants shared their gratitude for the exposure to meaningful work, welcoming crews and ongoing opportunities to connect with culture.
