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The Saskatchewan First Nations Relationship Model
‘Encanto Potash is a pioneer of sorts, navigating its way through a tangled history between First Nations people and governments, to bring industry and development opportunities to First Nations people in a manner that honors treaty, respects leadership and facilitates the community vision of wealth creation for its’ people, by its’ people” – Jim Sinclair – Elder and Senior Treaty Advisor, Federation Saskatchewan Indian Nations
Encanto and First Nations are working together in a way where both benefit from equity involvement and cash flow from a successful potash mine on First Nations land. But the relationship also recognizes the spirit and intent of First Nations treaties. The two groups work with Canada’s Ministry of Indian Northern Affairs so all treaties are respected and followed. Encanto acts as an economic facilitator with both the First Nations and Canada to ensure that First Nations opportunities for business development and human resources are maximized every step of the way through resource development and mine building.
Encanto Potash’s business plan is to develop a significant potash resource in partnership with First Nations in the heart of “Potash Country” in Saskatchewan. Encanto is currently working with five First Nations Alliances on development agreements, including the Ochapowace, Chacachas, Day Star, Muscowpetung and Muskowekwan First Nations Alliances.
Encanto Potash has obtained INAC (Indian Northern Affairs Canada) permits on three of its development agreements. These agreements are with the Ochapowace, Chacachas and Muscowpetung First Nations Alliances. In the future, ownership of these permits will transfer to the First Nations’ who will then partner with Encanto Potash to develop the resource.
Encanto also currently has two MOUs with INAC Permits pending with Day Star and Muskowekwan First Nations Alliances.
These INAC agreements are based on Canada’s INAC permit process. It allows Encanto and First Nations to do surveying, seismic work, and drilling. In these agreements, Encanto Potash is established as the principal in working with First Nations in developing a future mine.
These agreements permit Encanto Potash to conduct survey and seismic work, exploration and drilling on First Nations land. Within these agreements Encanto Potash is established as the principal in working with First Nations in the future development of a mine.
The company is currently focused on exploring for potash in three southeastern Saskatchewan prospects, which include working with the Ochapowace, Chacachas and Day Star First Nations Alliances.
Together with the Ochapowace and Chacachas First Nations Alliances, Encanto Potash will explore for potash over an area of 78,000 acres (31,565 ha) inside their boundary. The property is located east of Regina, the capital of Saskatchewan, and in close proximity from Potash Corp’s Rocanville mine.
The Day Star First Nations band and Encanto Potash have a pending agreement for potash exploration on approximately 15,900 acres located about 120 km north of Regina.
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