In July, representatives from Kinross’ senior leadership team attended a fishing trip hosted by First Nations leaders at the community-built Mahkwa Lodge (which translates to “bear lodge” in Ojibwe) in Lac Seul, Ontario.
The purpose of the trip was to spend time with First Nations partners and develop relationships outside of the workplace to gain a better understanding of partner community values and perspectives.
Over 15 participants attended the fishing trip including Paul Rollinson, President & CEO, Geoff Gold, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Development, External Relations & Chief Legal Officer, and Jeremy Brans, Vice-President and General Manager, Ontario, from Kinross and Chief Bill Petiquan from the Wabauskang First Nation and Chief Clifford Bull from the Lac Seul First Nation and Chris Taylor, former President & CEO, Great Bear Resources.
The group spent the morning fishing on Lac Seul where they caught more than 20 fish and later enjoyed a fish fry for lunch on the bank of the lake. In the afternoon, Chief Bull led the five boats of attendees on a tour of the lake to see the lakeside communities of Whitefish Bay and Kejick Bay, and visited the historical sites of the old Hudson Bay post and church and the legendary Thunderbird nest on the island of Manitou Miniss.
The day concluded with a celebratory dinner where prizes were awarded for the fishing derby and Chief Bull shared stories on the history of Lac Seul and displayed his personal collection of historical artifacts from community ancestors.
“The fishing trip was an excellent opportunity to build friendships, trust and understanding while enjoying the great outdoors,” said Jenni Piette, Community Relations Manager, Red Lake. “We believe this experience will make us better partners in working collaboratively to advance the Great Bear project together.”
Check out photos from the fishing trip below!
Standing at back left to right: Vince Kewaquado, Jeremy Brans, Stan Littledeer, Geoff Gold, Gina Wesley, Elvis Trout, Raymond Anjeconeb.
Kneeling from left to right: Chief Petiquan, Paul Rollinson, Chris Taylor, Darrin Trout, Chief Bull. Front: Jenni Piette
