July 29, 2024
Wherever B2Gold operates, we actively engage with local communities and people to find participatory and culturally appropriate solutions for managing issues and impacts. We recognize the rich diversity and cultures of Indigenous Peoples and respects the rights of Indigenous Peoples, including their rights to their lands and their political and socio-economic structures and traditional practices.
Our Indigenous Peoples Performance Standard aligns and meets the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standard 7 and outlines our approach to consulting and engaging with Indigenous Peoples and meeting requirements for the best sustainable practices and management of potential project impacts.
Photo: Snowhouse of Uluksoak and three Copper Inuit women at Bernard Harbour, Northwest Territories (Nunavut). Canadian Museum of History Archives.
The Nunavut Agreement, signed in 1993, is the landmark land claim settlement that led to the creation of the territory of Nunavut, transferring land and resource management rights to the Inuit of Nunavut. This historic agreement was ratified by Inuit representatives, the Government of Canada, and the Government of the Northwest Territories. Additionally, it established a public government for Nunavut, representing all its residents, known as the Government of Nunavut.
B2Gold’s Back River Gold District is located in the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut, Canada. The Company adheres to both Canadian and Nunavut laws for its operations and activities. This approach ensures that our actions not only align with the requirements of the Nunavut Agreement but that they also respect and demonstrate our dedication to upholding legal frameworks at both national and territorial levels.
Photo: Drying fish, an important food resource in Nunavut.
The Nunavut Agreement specifically requires the establishment of an Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement (IIBA) as a crucial element in overseeing activities on Inuit-owned land. B2Gold has an IIBA with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KIA) which was signed in 2018, which outlines renewable 20-year benefit and land tenure agreements. The IIBA ensures that decisions related to such activities adhere to a stringent process, emphasizing transparent engagement and necessitating the voluntary and informed participation of Inuit, in a manner consistent with the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). In accordance with the Nunavut Agreement, B2Gold’s IIBA prioritizes the wellbeing and inherent rights of Kitikmeot Inuit and their communities. The purpose of the IIBA is to address potential impacts resulting from our operation and to maximize benefits to Kitikmeot Inuit, including through training, employment, and business opportunities.
Photo: Drum Dancer 2012, sculpture by Nunavut artist, Archie Ishulutak.
B2Gold recognizes that respect and collaboration with the KIA and Kitikmeot Inuit are central to our license to operate within the region, and the Company prioritizes developing Back River in a manner that recognizes Inuit and Indigenous input and knowledge and brings long-term socio-economic benefits to the Kitikmeot region. Our Back River Cultural and Heritage Resources Protection Plan details the protection of cultural and heritage resources within the impact area.
More information can be found in our Responsible Mining Report