Northisle and Quatsino First Nation Sign Inaugural Agreement Supporting Key Project Activities
Northisle Copper and Gold Inc. | 1200 – 1166 Alberni Street | Vancouver, BC | V6E 3Z3
www.northisle.ca | [email protected]
December 7, 2022
TSX Venture Exchange Symbol: NCX
Northisle and Quatsino First Nation Sign Inaugural Agreement
Supporting Key Project Activities
Vancouver, B.C. – Northisle Copper and Gold Inc. (TSX-V: NCX) (“Northisle” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce
that its 100% owned subsidiary North Island Mining Corp. (“NIMC”) has entered into an agreement (the “Agreement”)
with Quatsino First Nation (“Quatsino”, and together with NIMC, the “Parties”) which is the culmination of many years
of mutually respectful engagement between the Parties. The Agreement covers all NIMC mineral claims within
Quatsino Territory (as defined in the Agreement) and provides for an open, honest, transparent and fair process
through which NIMC can conduct certain activities to determine the viability of developing mines, mills, or related
facilities for the commercial production of minerals in a manner which recognizes Quatsino Rights (as defined in the
agreement).
Quatsino Chief Tom Nelson stated, “This agreement represents a good first step and sets a strong foundation for our
relationship with Northisle. We look forward to working with Northisle to further explore how we can work together to
create a stronger future for our Nation today, and for the generations to follow, while standing firm in our duty as
stewards of the land. The recognition of Quatsino rights embedded in the agreement will allow us to work together to
continue to evaluate Northisle’s mineral projects within Quatsino Territory.”
Sam Lee, President and CEO of Northisle commented, “We deeply appreciate the time and effort Quatsino First Nation
Council and representatives have invested in building our relationship to date. We acknowledge that our work does
and will continue to have an impact on the traditional and unceded territories of Quatsino and other First Nations on
the North Island while we seek to further advance the opportunity that our project could bring in the area. This
agreement is a significant step and provides a clear process for us to ensure mutual understanding of and support for
our activities.”
He continued, “From day one, Northisle has proactively engaged with potentially impacted First Nations, and we
continue to focus on working in a collaborative, consent-driven basis. We are extremely pleased to have progressed
our discussions with Quatsino First Nation to this point and are confident that the Joint Implementation Committee
provides the framework to make increasingly complex decisions together. With this agreement in place, we have a
clear path to finalize our 2023 exploration programs, engage all communities fully, and rapidly move the North Island
Project forward.”
Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation commented, “In the 21st century, successful
resource development companies see First Nations’ rights as an opportunity, a chance to nurture B.C.’s world-class
exploration and mining sector through respect, reconciliation and support for local communities. The respectful
process Northisle followed in developing this collaboration with the Quatsino First Nation exemplifies the goals and
objectives of the BC Regional Mining Alliance, of which Northisle is a member, and will help to position B.C. as a leader
in the critical metals revolution.”
Northisle continues to execute on its surface exploration program, as described in its November 1, 2022 press release
(see here). 2023 drilling programs are currently being finalized and will be advanced in collaboration with Quatsino
through the Joint Implementation Committee (the “JIC”), which is anticipated to augment existing BC Government
permitting and referrals processes.
Agreement Details
A key feature of the Agreement is the creation of a JIC through which the Parties will consider matters of mutual
interest, including potential future activities by NIMC within Quatsino Territory.
Northisle Copper and Gold Inc. | 1200 – 1166 Alberni Street | Vancouver, BC | V6E 3Z3
www.northisle.ca | [email protected]
In addition, the Agreement provides for, among other things:
• confirmation of support by Quatsino for NIMC’s existing exploration authorizations;
• advance review of new authorizations by Quatsino, via the JIC, prior to submission;
• funding by Northisle to support community initiatives and to support the principle of “no net cost” to Quatsino
for its consideration of NIMC’s activities; and
• the Parties will work jointly to identify opportunities for business development and third-party funding.
The framework of the Agreement is anticipated to be a framework for continued relationship and trust building
between Northisle and Quatsino First Nation as the North Island Project continues to advance.
About Quatsino First Nation
Our people have been living on the Northern tip of Vancouver Island for millennia. We are the descendants of five (5)
traditional Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw “tribes” which are as follows: T’latsinuxw (Klaskino), Huyalas (Hoyalas), Gusgimukw
(Koskimo), Gob’inuxw (Giopino), Qwat’sinuxw (Quatsino) that spoke a similar dialect of the Kwak’wala language and
amalgamated starting in the 1700’s. We have used and occupied the full extent of this territory since time immemorial.
It was a land of plenty that supported a dense population, complex society and vibrant economy. We will always be the
stewards of this land and rely on its rich bounty to support our culture, community and economy.
About Northisle
Northisle Copper and Gold Inc. is a Vancouver-based company whose mission is to become Canada’s leading
sustainable mineral resource company for the future. Northisle, through its 100% owned subsidiary North Island Mining
Corp., owns the North Island Project, which is one of the most promising copper and gold porphyry projects in Canada.
The North Island Project is located near Port Hardy, British Columbia on a more than 34,000-hectare block of mineral
titles 100% owned by Northisle stretching 50 kilometres northwest from the now closed Island Copper Mine operated
by BHP Billiton. Northisle completed an updated preliminary economic assessment for the North Island Project in 2021
and is now focused on advancement of the project through a prefeasibility study while continuing exploration within
this highly prospective land package.
For more information on Northisle please visit the Company’s website at www.northisle.ca.
On behalf of Northisle Copper and Gold Inc.
Nicholas Van Dyk, CFA
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: (604) 638-2515
Email: [email protected]
www.northisle.ca
Cautionary Statements regarding Forward-Looking Information
Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities law. Any statements that are contained
in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward -looking statements. Forward-looking statements are
often identified by terms such as “may”, “should”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this news
release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to outcome of discussions between the Parties, exploration programs as well as any
other future plans, objectives or exp ectations of Northisle . Forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including,
without limitation, Northisle’s ability to implement its business strategies; risks associated with mineral exploration and production; risks associated
with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; stakeholder engagement; marketing and transportation costs; loss of markets; volatility
of commodity prices; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable
terms; industry and government regulation; changes in legislation, income tax and regulatory matters; competition; currency a nd interest rate
fluctuations; and other risks. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive.
Northisle Copper and Gold Inc. | 1200 – 1166 Alberni Street | Vancouver, BC | V6E 3Z3
www.northisle.ca | [email protected]
Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward -looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions,
or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, altho ugh considered reasonable by management at the time of
preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward -looking statements contained in
this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent the expectations of management of Northisle as of the date of this news
release, and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Northisle does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.