Canada Nickel signs Contracting Agreement with Mattagami, Matachewan, and Flying Post First Nations for Crawford Nickel Sulphide Project
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Canada Nickel signs Contracting Agreement with Mattagami, Matachewan, and
Flying Post First Nations for Crawford Nickel Sulphide Project
TORONTO, March 03, 2025 – Canada Nickel Company Inc. ("Canada Nickel" or “The Company")
(TSX V:CNC) (OTCQB: CNIKF) is pleased to announce the signing of a n important agreement
(“agreement”) on March 3, 2025 with Mattagami, Matachewan, and Flying Post First Nations,
members of the Wabun Tribal Council, regarding the Crawford Nickel Sulphide Project (“ Crawford
Project”). This agreement represents a significant step forward in advancing the Crawford Project
while fostering collaboration with First Nations.
The agreement sets the framework for early business and employment opportunities, while the
parties continue to work towards a comprehensive Impact Benefits Agreement (IBA). The
agreement includes commitments for open-book negotiations on key contracting opportunities,
including the construction of a 25.2 -kilometre railway line, the relocation of Highway 655, and
the construction of a temporary overpass on Highway 655. These initiatives aim to foster
economic development while addressing the priorities of t he three First Nations. Scheduled
between 2025 and 2029, these projects will prioritize First Nations businesses and promote own-
source revenue, foster partnerships, and support regional growth.
"This agreement provides a genuine starting point for addressing the impacts of the Crawford
Project on our lands and people. It’s a positive step towards ensuring Matachewan First Nation’s
members voices are heard and our rights are respected."
– Chief Alex ‘Sonny’ Batisse, Matachewan First Nation
"This agreement reflects an important recognition of our role as stewards of our Traditional
Territory and speaks to Mattagami First Nation’s history of, and continued, economic success
through partnerships with proponents. While more work lies ahead throu gh our ongoing IBA
negotiations, I am extremely optimistic about the opportunities that working in partnership with
Canada Nickel will bring for our members.”
– Chief Jennifer Constant, Mattagami First Nation
"Flying Post First Nation has a long history of protecting our lands and advocating for equitable
partnerships, which is why we are pleased to be partnering with a company that has sustainability
at the forefront of its operations. This agreement, and our partnership, is just the beginning of a
much longer journey."
– Chief Murray Ray, Flying Post First Nation
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"This agreement is a milestone in the development of the Crawford Project and reflects our
commitment to meaningful partnerships with First Nations and our respect for the Traditional
Territories in which we are fortunate to operate. We value our on -going work with Flying Post,
Mattagami, and Matachewan First Nations, and the collective advocacy efforts of Wabun Tribal
Council, and we look forward to building on this foundation to deliver long-term benefits for their
membership, our Project, and the region writ-large."
– Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel
"This agreement demonstrates the strength of collaboration and our ability to negotiate
meaningful opportunities when the rights of First Nations are respected. As recipients of the
Skookum Jim Award from the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canad a (PDAC) for
Excellence in Indigenous Participation, we take pride in our success negotiating collective benefits
for the First Nations we represent. While there is still much work to be done, it is a step in the
right direction as we continue to work towards an IBA that fully respects the rights and maximizes
the benefits for our members."
– Jason Batise, Executive Director and Lead Negotiator for Wabun Tribal Council
The agreement also establishes mechanisms for transparency and collaboration, including regular
engagement sessions and the appointment of a First Nations Business Representative to
coordinate opportunities within the project. Key initiatives under the agreement include
prioritized access for First Nation-owned businesses to participate in contracts and in specialized
training programs to enhance local skills development. By integrating these commitments into
the Crawford Project's framework, Canada Nickel aims to ensure it becomes a model for
responsible resource development and meaningful First Nation partnership.
About Canada Nickel Company
Canada Nickel Company Inc. is advancing the next generation of nickel-sulphide projects to deliver
nickel required to feed the high-growth electric vehicle and stainless-steel markets. Canada Nickel
Company has applied in multiple jurisdictions to trademark the terms NetZero NickelTM, NetZero
CobaltTM, NetZero IronTM and is pursuing the development of processes to allow the production
of net zero carbon nickel, cobalt, and iron products. Canada Nickel provides investors with
leverage to nickel in low political risk jurisdictions. Canada Nickel is currently anchored by its 100%
owned flagship Crawford Nickel -Cobalt Sulphide Project in the heart of the prolific Timmins
Cochrane mining camp.
About Wabun Tribal Council
Wabun Tribal Council serves five First Nations: Brunswick House First Nation, Chapleau Ojibwe
First Nation, Flying Post First Nation, Matachewan First Nation, Mattagami First Nation, as well as
one Aboriginal Affiliate, Beaverhouse First Nation. Wabun Trib al Council is a non -profit
community-driven organization that is committed to providing quality services for its member
First Nations through innovative and culturally appropriate programming. Wabun receives
direction from and is accountable to its Board of Directors, made up of the Chiefs of each of the
member First Nations. All senior personnel report to the Executive Director, who oversees the
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operation of the Tribal Council. While Wabun is headquartered at Mattagami First Nation, its
operational office is centrally located in Timmins, ON.
About Flying Post First Nation
Flying Post First Nation was formerly an independent member of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation
(NAN) before joining the Wabun Tribal Council in 2007. Established northwest of Timmins,
Ontario, on the east side of the Groundhog River, the Nation remains closely c onnected to its
ancestral lands. While some community members have relocated, many continue to travel along
the Groundhog River and surrounding areas to exercise their Aboriginal and treaty rights. Flying
Post prioritizes education, professional developmen t, and fostering a sustainable economy to
ensure long-term prosperity for future generations.
About Mattagami First Nation
Mattagami First Nation is situat ed on ancestral Native lands that have long been home to the
Ojibway and Oji-Cree peoples, spanning the Mattagami River and Mattagami Lake regions, and
extending as far as the headwaters of Moose River on the James Bay coast. Before the arrival of
European settlers, the Anishinaabe and Oji -Cree thrived on these lands, sustaining themselves
through hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering. Today, many members maintain a deep
connection to their ancestral territory and continue to practice these traditional ways of life.
About Matachewan First Nation
Matachewan First Nation is a northern community whose lands and resources have long
supported the traditional and subsistence livelihoods of its families. Its traditional territory and
treaty area include the historic mining camps of Kirkland Lake and Timmins. For much of the past
century, Matachewan was on the margins of resource extraction within its territory. However,
recent engagement with the mining industry has fostered significant growth within the
community, leading to increased post-secondary educational achievements and the development
of diverse businesses that provide long-term benefits to its members.
For more information, please visit www.canadanickel.com
For further information, please contact Mark Selby, CEO
Phone: 647-256-1954
Email: [email protected]
Media, please contact:
Melanie Paradis
President, Texture Communications
Phone: 416-399-7400
Email: [email protected]
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Sydney Oakes
Director of Indigenous Relations and Public Affairs, Canada Nickel Company
Phone: 905-929-7151
Email: [email protected]
Nicole Charbonneau, HBSc
Mineral Development Advisor, Wabun Tribal Council
Phone: 705-365-0035
Email: [email protected]
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information"
under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward looking information includes, but is not
limited to, drill and exploration results relating to the t arget properties described herein (the
"Properties"), the significance of drill results, the ability to continue drilling, the impact of drilling
on the definition of any resource, the potential of the Crawford Nickel Sulphide Project and the
Properties, ti ming and completion (if at all) of mineral resource estimates, the ability to sell
marketable materials, strategic plans, including future exploration and development plans and
results, corporate and technical objectives, and the completion of assays, fol low-up geophysics
and further drilling. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon several assumptions
that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and
other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those
expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could affect the outcome
include, among others: future prices and the supply of metals, the future demand for metals, the
results of d rilling, inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to
retain and advance the property, environmental liabilities (known and unknown), general
business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, results of ex ploration
programs, risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, failure to
obtain regulatory or shareholder approvals. There can be no assurance that such information will
prove to be accurate, as actual results and future eve nts could differ materially from those
anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-
looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of
the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information
available to management as at the date hereof. Canada Nickel disclaims any intention or
obligation to update or revise any forward -looking information, whether because of new
information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of
this release.