The Raglan Agreement
Signed in 1995, the Raglan Agreement was one of the first Impact Benefit Agreements (IBA) between a mining company and Indigenous communities in Canada, marking a major turning point for both the industry and Nunavik. It established a framework rooted in the recognition of rights and culture, mutual respect and ongoing dialogue. Since its signing, Raglan Mine has worked to support Inuit employment and businesses, sought to build trust through open communication, and strived to operate responsibly with respect for the environment.
30 Years of Collaboration
Three decades after this historic signing, the collaboration between the company and its Nunavimmiut partners is still very much alive and continues to generate tangible benefits for Inuit communities.
A Strong and Evocative Signature
A Strong and Evocative Signature
The 30th Anniversary Signature of the Raglan Agreement was designed to reflect the values and spirit of the agreement:
- The Hands: Symbolizing an egalitarian partnership, based on mutual assistance, trust, and respect. The hands express the idea that together, we are stronger.
- The Thumbs: Pointing North and South, representing the connection between the stakeholders from both regions involved in the Agreement.
- The Spiral Formed by the Hands: Illustrating the continuity and constant evolution of our partnership.
- The Circular Shape: Representing unity, harmony, and inclusivity, the circle evokes the cyclical nature of time and the ongoing renewal of our commitments.
A Pioneering Partnership
The Raglan Agreement was signed by Raglan Mine and five Inuit partners: the Makivik Corporation, the two Inuit communities of Salluit and Kangiqsujuaq, and their respective landholding corporations. Raglan Mine is the first Canadian mining company to have signed an Impact and Benefit Agreement (IBA) with an Aboriginal group. Written to comply with the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement (JBNQA), the Raglan Agreement has been used as a point of reference for other agreements between Aboriginal groups and the mining industry and other industrial sectors.
More specifically, this comprehensive socio-economic agreement has provisions for:
- Training and hiring members of the surrounding communities
- Protecting the environment and lessening the impacts of mining activities on the land
- Giving preference to Inuit businesses when awarding contracts
- Monitoring the implementation of the Raglan Agreement through the Raglan Committee
- Profit-sharing and other financial aspects
The Raglan Agreement was signed in 1995 by Raglan Mine and five Inuit partners.
"The Raglan Agreement is more than just a contract — it’s our social license to operate. It forms the foundation of the Raglan Mine strategy, built on clear commitments to the communities, but above all, on our dedication to honoring them every day."
Jean-François Verret, Vice President, Glencore Nickel - Raglan Mine
"Looking at it years later, I see success. Of course, some aspects could have been improved, but to tell you the truth, I am really happy the mine concluded this Agreement with the Inuit people. It led to many improvements for the communities."
Charlie Arngak - a member of the negotiation process that led to the signing of the Raglan Agreement in 1995, as well as the signing of additional measures to the Raglan Agreement in 2017.