TRUST AND RESPECT: THE FOUNDATION OF A STRONG PARTNERSHIP
Quebec Iron Ore maintains a close partnership with the Innu communities of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam (ITUM) and Matimekush-Lac John. Our Bloom Lake mine site is located on ancestral Innu land, Nitassinan, which means “our land” in Innu-aimun—which is why we always strive to minimize the potential impact of our operations on the environment and the area we’re working in, and to maximize the economic opportunities and gains for our host communities.
A PARTNERSHIP
THAT CREATES VALUE
Our partnership with the Innu communities of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam and Matimekush-Lac John is part of a long-term vision. To achieve our objective of building on this partnership through all our growth projects, our efforts and actions are focused on three main pillars:
Hiring more Indigenous workers
We’re proud to be one of the largest employers of First Nations workers in the Côte-Nord region. Every day, we strive to hire more Innu workers and support their training within our operations.
Supporting economic growth through a variety of local initiatives
We create wealth in our host communities by contributing to the start-up and development of diverse local businesses, both during and beyond the life of the mine.
Quebec Iron Ore also works actively with the Société de développement économique de Uashat mak Mani-Utenam (economic development corporation of Uashat mak Mani-Utenanam, or SDEUM) to identify other ITUM-recognized Innu businesses and suppliers that could contribute to our operations. Integrating Indigenous businesses and suppliers into our supply chain not only helps diversify our pool of suppliers but also supports our partnership goals.
Promoting Innu culture, language and values
We’re proud to help raise the visibility of Innu culture, namely by promoting dialogue and learning among our employees. In 2022, we were the first mining company to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a day of reflection and commemoration—a symbolic gesture that meant, and continues to mean, a lot to our Innu partners.
In conjunction with the Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam community, in 2024 we created Kapatakan, an immersive training experience immersed in Innu culture. We’re also partners in major cultural initiatives like the Festival Innu Nikamu.
A presence rooted in the community
Our office in Uashat allows our team to maintain close ties with the community. Their proximity allows us to be more agile in managing our projects and programs, to have a deeper understanding of local issues and, most importantly, to foster trust and maintain a dialogue with our Innu partners.
A company-wide commitment
Our entire leadership team is strongly committed to growing our partnership with First Nations communities and rallying our employees around this goal.
A caring and respectful hiring process
We’re committed to providing a hiring process that respects and honours First Nations values. Our team manages the recruitment of potential candidates and provides ongoing support to our Innu employees throughout their journey with us. This process aims to create a climate of respect, where all employees can flourish and grow.
Groupe Innuat ka tessashet (GIKT)
Mamuitun Innuat kaitusseshat (GIKT), innuat e taht, tshimitanipan tshetshi shushiteieshkuaniht innuat nemenu tshe pitutsheht metinu mak tshe uauitshiaushinanu anite aitunit eshakumitshishikua.
GIKT natshishkueu shukushuk innu-kaitusseshiniti tshetshi minu-nashtutuat tshekuannu ua apashtaniti mak tshekuannu e eieshkushiukunihk. Anitshenat ka taht shash mamuitunit tshipa tshipa uitshikuauat miam ui natshishkuakaniht uitshimauat tshetshi ut minupan aimitunanut mak tshika eka takuak e natshipanit aimitunanu ait eshi-aiminanu.
The Groupe Innuat Ka Tessashet (Innuat Ka Tessashet group, or GIKT), made up of Innu employees, was created to mentor our Innu employees during their onboarding and lend cultural support on a daily basis.
The GIKT consults with Innu employees regularly to better understand their needs and concerns. What’s more, members of the group provide support during meetings with managers to facilitate communication and reduce language barriers, if necessary.
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of our people
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