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19 Jul
2024

MEDIA RELEASE

PBCN and Foran Mining Unveil Indigenous Culture and Wellness Room at McIlvenna Bay Project Site

(Hanson Lake, SK) — On Thursday, July 18th, the leadership of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) proudly celebrated the grand opening of the Indigenous Culture and Wellness Room at Foran Mining Corporation’s (“Foran”) McIlvenna Bay Project . The ribbon-cutting ceremony marks a significant leap towards integrating cultural considerations into the McIlvenna Bay Project and showcases a respectful partnership with Foran.

The Indigenous Culture and Wellness Room is a dedicated space for smudging ceremonies and cultural practices. It features a Treaty Map, a Star Blanket, a Medicine Wheel floor rug, and the Seven Teachings in Cree syllabics and English. The room also includes comfortable furnishings and murals representing the four seasons, painted by George Custer of Pelican Narrows.

"This room is a testament to our collaboration with Foran," said Chief Peter Beatty of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. "It provides a safe sanctuary for our First Nation employees to practice our traditions, while also serving as an educational resource for others to learn about our culture that will foster respect.”

The creation of the Indigenous Culture and Wellness Room holds special significance for the First Nation employees at the McIlvenna Bay Project. This space acknowledges and respects their cultural practices, providing them with a place to engage in spiritual traditions and cultural activities while at work. It promotes a sense of belonging and well-being, reinforcing the importance of their cultural identity within the workplace.

"The Indigenous Culture and Wellness Room exemplifies our commitment to honouring and integrating Indigenous cultural practices into our operations," said Craig Young, Mine General Manager at Foran. "We believe this initiative will deepen understanding and appreciation of Indigenous traditions among all our employees and visitors."

The McIlvenna Bay Project is located entirely within the traditional territory of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. This Indigenous Culture and Wellness room represents a crucial development for Foran Mining Corporation and underscores the importance of respecting and preserving the cultural heritage of the land on which it operates.

About PBCN:

PBCN or Assin'skowitiniwak ("People of the Rocky Area"), has a rich history in northeastern Saskatchewan. With over 12,000 members across nine communities spanning 51,000 square kilometres, PBCN is a cornerstone of the region. Its nine communities include Denare Beach, Deschaumbault Lake, Kinoosao, Pelican Narrows, Prince Albert, Sandy Bay, Southend, Sturgeon Landing, and Birch Portage.

About Foran Mining

Foran Mining is a copper-zinc-gold-silver exploration and development company, located entirely within the documented traditional territory of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation.

Media enquiries may be directed to:

Tina Pelletier
Communications Consultant
Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation
Cell: 306-941-7120

Email: tpelletier@pagc.net

 

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