Who is involved in the Giant Mine Remediation Project?

City of Yellowknife

The Giant Mine site is located within Yellowknife city limits. The City of Yellowknife has a lease for the former townsite and maintains a dock within the existing project boundary. For these reasons, the City takes part in a number of Giant Mine working groups. The City is also a regulator. It will issue permits to the Project during remediation for work such as demolition.

Yellowknives Dene First Nation

The Giant Mine site is in Chief Drygeese territory. This is the Yellowknives Dene First Nation's (YKDFN) traditional territory. As part of the Akaitcho Process, the YKDFN is negotiating a land, resource, and governance agreement with the governments of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and Canada. The Project team works closely with the YKDFN. Members share traditional knowledge and provide input into the remediation plan and care and maintenance activities.

Tłı̨chǫ

The Tłı̨chǫ have a recognized area of traditional land use. This area is known as Monfwı̀ Gogha Dè Nı̨htł'è. These are the lands described by Chief Monfwi when Treaty 11 was signed. In this area, members exercise rights set out in the Tłı̨chǫ Agreement. The Giant Mine site falls within Monfwı̀ Gogha Dè Nı̨htł'è boundaries.  

North Slave Métis Alliance

The North Slave Métis Alliance (NSMA) represents Métis in Yellowknife. It was formed in 1996 to negotiate and implement a land and resource agreement. The NSMA also facilitates educational, economic, social, and cultural development for its members. Canada is not engaged in land and resource negotiations with the NSMA.

Northwest Territories Métis Nation (NWTMN)

The Northwest Territories Métis Nation (NWTMN) represents the Métis from the NWT's South Slave region. Members primarily live in Fort Resolution, Fort Smith, and Hay River. In 2015, Canada signed a land and resources agreement-in-principle with the NWTMN and GNWT. The next step in the process is to complete negotiations for the Land and Resources Final Agreement. The Giant Mine site is next to Great Slave Lake, which is within the boundaries of the Agreement.

Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board

The Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board was created under the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act. It regulates land and water use and waste deposit in the Mackenzie Valley. The Board issues land use permits and water licences under the NWT Waters Act, and are a key Project regulator.

The Giant Mine Oversight Board (GMOB)

The Giant Mine Oversight Board is an independent group that monitors the Giant Mine remediation project and provides recommendations to the Project Team. It is made up of six appointees from the following groups:

• Government of Canada
• Government of the Northwest Territories
• Yellowknives Dene
• North Slave Métis Alliance
• Alternatives North
• City of Yellowknife

Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board

The Mackenzie Valley Environment Impact Review Board was created under the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act. It makes sure possible impacts of proposed developments are carefully considered before any actions take place. The Board conducted the Project's environmental assessment.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Other local organizations help make sure the Project's process is open and transparent. These organizations ask questions and check that all potential environmental impacts, both immediate and long-term, receive carefully consideration in planning the remediation.

Federal government organizations

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), and Health Canada play a role in the project as expert advisors under the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan. ECCC and DFO are also regulators for the Project. 

Independent Peer Review Panel

The Project is now working to update the remediation plan to address the environmental assessment decision measures. While looking at different remediation options, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada brings together an Independent Peer Review Panel. This group provides expert feedback on the Report on Arsenic Trioxide Management Alternatives and the Giant Mine Remediation Plan. It includes specialists nominated by communities and the public. It is made up of nine recognized experts in:

• geotechnology
• mining
• mineral processing and environmental engineering
• toxicology
• hydrogeology
• risk assessment
• public health

This Panel will make sure the design and roll out of the remediation follows industry best practices, is of good value, and is technically robust. It will look at the proposed designs, including:

• approaches
• methods
• technologies
• plans
• technical details