Thank you for the opportunity to respond to CHN President Jason Alsop’s letter of Sept. 11, 2024, regarding the JDS invitation to the Haida people to have an open conversation about the potential to develop a world-class mine that benefits all Haida people.
I agree with many of the comments made by the Council. The mine plan 40 years ago was simply wrong. It was bad for the Haida. It was bad for the environment. It was bad for our industry.
Our plan protects and restores the Yaagun G̱andlaay, Yakoun River. It establishes a stream restoration program that provides new jobs in the short term and long-term benefits to the salmon fishery.
The Haida Gold Project reduces carbon emissions and the dependence on diesel power on the islands by over 40 per cent. Our plan specifically protects the watershed and surrounding lands. No cyanide is used. No mercury results from the mine.
JDS has always sought to engage with the Haida Nation to create a true partnership with true benefits for Haida young and old. Our first action was to show the environmental, social and economic benefits that a modern, 21st-century mine could yield. We rejected the first proposal, referred to in the letter, as deeply flawed and as unacceptable to us, as it was to the Haida people.
JDS Gold is a 100 per cent Canadian-owned and operated company.
No one connected to JDS, or the Haida Gold project is connected in any way with any South African mining company. We continue to work towards an open, honest dialogue with all Haida to demonstrate how a shared JDS Gold/Haida Nation partnership can create opportunities for youth, improvements for water, air and the salmon fisheries, create millions in annual cash flow for the Haida, and lasting benefits for the future. This plan centers on thoughtful consideration for the environment, social well-being, and economic potential for Haida and area citizens.
We have talked with many Haida citizens, from current and past Hereditary Chiefs, Haida business owners, artists, Haida youth as well as the current President and Council members in Old Massett.
I am happy to provide copies of our materials for any interested Haida’s review. Our hope is to create a respectful partnership based on honesty, engaged leadership and earned trust of the Haida citizens. Facts do matter.
Haida leadership has helped everyone in the past and I believe it will again. The Haida Gold project presents an opportunity for our combined leadership to make a real difference in the lives of all Haida, today and always. I hope all Haida will be actively involved in creating this generational opportunity and help set the model for true reconciliation that others can follow. Leadership is key.
We look forward to working together to realize the incredible potential of Haida Gold for families, for young Haida, for skills development, job creation and for a positive legacy for all.
Thank you,
Jeff Stibbard, CEO
JDS Gold Inc.