Community Relations
BMC has developed strong ties with the local communities that surround the KZK Project, through initiatives that invite participation in development opportunities for long-term mutually beneficial advancements.
BMC’s community philosophy is centred on:
- Investing real money in the ground with local involvement
- Advancing BMC projects while being aware and attentive to local matters and First Nation’s interests
- Final design and operating philosophy at all stages to be responsibly designed and to leave a positive legacy
That philosophy is based on a series of solid commitments, and an understanding of the actions required to deliver real outcomes. Our commitments are achieved through:
- Building and maintaining strong community relationships
- Ensuring a holistic approach is taken when understanding local issues and making decisions
- Establishing ongoing business alliances, employment and practical training initiatives in the workplace
- Emphasise on cross cultural awareness, providing induction, training and education in local Indigenous culture and work-place relationships
First Nations Commitments
The Kudz Ze Kayah Project is located within the traditional territory of the Kaska Dena. The Project is within the traditional territory of the Ross River Dena Council and Liard First Nation. Engagement and consultation with Kaska First Nations started prior to the acquisition of the KZK property, and BMC looks forward to the relationship deepening over the course of the KZK Project development.
BMC continues to work to enhance the personal and professional working relationships with:
- The Ross River Dena Council (RRDC) and Liard First Nation (LFN) Chief and Council Leadership
- The individual First Nation Development Corporations , to explore contracting opportunities. BMC will help ensure the Development Corporations are prepared for the significant increase in potential contracting opportunities that will come with the development of the mine
- Community and Elders, who play a key role in decision-making within RRDC and LFN. It is imperative that this group is effectively engaged. Consultation will be carried out through community meetings, site tours, and purposeful meetings. The opportunity to participate in Project site tours may not be convenient or feasible for all community members, and with this understanding, alternative meetings will be arranged in Ross River and Watson Lake to ensure full and fair consultation together with Elders
BMC has and will continue to have open and honest dialogue with all First Nations and local communities, with mutual respect and balanced decisions for the Company and the people of the Yukon.
We are committed to respecting local issues, Traditional Knowledge, local culture and the environment, with listening as a key component to our consultation.
BMC’s Kaska Student Scholarship
The BMC-Kaska Scholarship Program was initiated by BMC and RRDC in 2016 after meetings with Kaska Elders, Chiefs and Councils, and community members. The message was clear, that Kaska are interested in a broad range of employment at Kudz Ze Kayah, from entry-level roles to technical, supervisory and management level positions. BMC responded with the development and provision of a program focused on supporting Kaska members interested in completing secondary school and then further pursuing post-secondary technical education that would qualify them for skilled trade and management roles at the mine.
Through 2025, the Kaska BMC Scholarship program has supported more than 197 Kaska students through the awarding of High School Bursaries and assorted Scholarships for post-secondary education. The scholarship program will continue throughout the life of the Mine Project.