b'COMPANY PROFILEEverywhere it operates, community and Indigenous relations have been anI can honestly say it is a good essential part of Agnico Eagles oper-ations. Initially, these efforts took theworking relationship, and form of informal consultations primarily aimed at informing nearby commu- the connection we have with nities about the mining operations.each other makes our work so With time, however, these engage-ments evolved as the company soughtmuch easier.to become a trusted and welcomed member of the communities in whichLevinia Brown, KEACit operates. Its executive team recog-nized the mutually beneficial value of partnerships with Indigenous Peoples. Kivalliq Inuit community. Initially sethonestly say every single household up and led by Agnico Eagles Inuittook advantage of it, and I don\'t think "AgnicoEaglewouldnotbetheQaujimajatuqangit (IQ) and wildlifewe could have survived as well as we company we are today if not for ouradvisor David Kritterdlik, KEAC wasdid without the mine.Indigenous partners and employees,to be a forum through which the who I want to thank for placing theircompany would integrate traditionalMUTUAL SUCCESStrust in us on this path toward recon- knowledge to inform its MeliadineEconomic inclusion is as vital as consul-ciliation," stated Al-Joundi. "We under- and Meadowbank operations envi- tation and engagement, and this is not stand that part of the success of ourronmental practices, wildlife manage- lost on Agnico Eagle, which paid nearly reconciliation plan depends on deliv- ment, community engagements, and$95 million to Indigenous communities ering tangible benefits, such as jobs,other activities.in Canada alone in 2024. 1More impor-training,educationandbusinesstantly, the company has endeavoured opportunities that contribute to theFrom the beginning, Agnico Eagleto create employment and business economic, social and emotional well- informed[KEAC]thatwecansayopportunities for several Indigenous-being of all involved." anything we want, share whats onowned companies in the region. BUILDING RELATIONS our mind, and that we were free to Agnico Eagle\'s approach to Indigenousask any questions we want, sharesOne such company is Peters Expediting partnerships advanced significantlyLevinia Brown, current KEAC chair andLtd., an Inuit-owned logistics firm based in 2007 when it began preparing fora member of the group since 2021. "Iin Baker Lake, Nunavut that has been its operations in Nunavut. As Chriscan honestly say it is a good workingprovidingfreighthandling,over-Vollmershausen, executive vice pres- relationship, and the connection weland hauling, and support services ident, legal, general counsel andhave with each other makes our workto resource development projects in corporate secretary at Agnico Eagle,so much easier." the region for decades. Founded by recounts: "Our CEO often talks aboutPeter Tapatai, the company began our first diligence trip to Nunavut,The knowledge-sharing enabled byworking with the Agnico mine during its where we met with the local people inKEAC works both ways. Agnico Eagleconstruction phase, when Agnico Eagle the community. We walked away withregularly invites community membersneeded help offloading barges that a real sense that they were people weto visit their mine sites to providehad frozen in the community waters. could work withpeople who shareddetailed explanations of their oper- That successful effort marked the begin-our vision and a deep respect for theirations and address any questions orning of a trusted partnership and environment and culture. That\'s whatconcerns they may have. The companysteady contract work that saw Peter\'s led us on the journey of investing inalso takes an active hand in supportingExpediting grow alongside Agnico Nunavut, which has been successfulthe local Inuit population by creatingEagles operations. Tapatai provided ever since."job and training opportunities, fundingreliable cargo handling, heavy-lift local programs and community infra- operations, and seasonal offloading. Agnico Eagles early engagementsstructure (e.g., the Ilitaqsiniq culture- "Every year, the barges had to be out of with Nunavut would go on to informbased learning program, the Breakfasthere by a certain date, and we always its first Inuit Impact Benefit AgreementClub of Canada for schools, the Bakerfinished well ahead of the closing," (IIBA). This would lay the foundationLake Fire Department), and contrib- he recalls.for a relationship that would see bothuting to community events like family Agnico Eagle and its new partners growfun fairs.As Tapatais team grew, so did his together through the operation of itsservices,expandingtopersonnel new Meadowbank Mine.Brown recalls how Agnico Eagle\'stransport between Baker Lake and commitment to supplying essentialMeadowbank. Today, he is proud of the Then in 2021, the Kivalliq Inuit Eldersgroceries, cleaning supplies and foodcompany he has built and appreciative AdvisoryCommittee(KEAC)wasbaskets to every household during formed to foster trust and collabora- COVID-19 was particularly impactful,1Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act2024tion between Agnico Eagle and thenoting, "It was amazing to see. I canAnnual ReportIndigenous BUSINESS REPORT17'