OREANDA-NEWS. GOLDCORP INC. (TSX: G, NYSE: GG) announced that Porcupine Gold Mines has signed a Resource Development Agreement with four First Nation communities including Mattagami First Nation, Wahgoshig First Nation, Matachewan First Nation and Flying Post First Nation. The agreement establishes a framework for continued consultation on existing and future operations in the Timmins area and defines long-term benefits for the four First Nation communities.

Under the agreement, Goldcorp recognizes and respects Aboriginal rights and interests in the area of the Porcupine Gold Mines operation and the four First Nation communities recognize and support Goldcorp's rights and interests in the operation and future development of the mine. The agreement also reflects Goldcorp's commitment to protecting the environment and supporting Aboriginal social and cultural practices in a spirit of continued collaboration.

"Goldcorp recognizes the importance of working with and learning from local First Nation communities in areas where we operate. This agreement creates the foundation for a lasting relationship built on trust, mutual respect and constructive engagement. It contributes to the sustainable development of our operations and provides long-term economic benefits to Mattagami, Wahgoshig, Matachewan and Flying Post First Nations," said Marc Lauzier , Mine General Manager at Goldcorp's Porcupine Gold Mines.

"This is an important milestone for our First Nation as it validates what our ancestors said in the Treaty signing. Our connection to the land is being recognized," said Chief Murray Ray of Flying Post First Nation. "This signing also gives our people hope for the future, as this partnership gives us an opportunity to become more self-sufficient so that our families and children can have a better future. This was what our grandfathers and ancestors wanted when they agreed to the treaty."

"I am pleased that we have managed to enter into an agreement with Goldcorp that has benefits to Matachewan First Nation and will provide hope and opportunity for the future. I thank all the other Chiefs involved and our Wabun Tribal Council administration for all the work done to make this agreement a reality," added Chief Elenore Hendrix of Matachewan First Nation.

Negotiations began over five years ago. While some of the faces at the table changed over the years, the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect stayed the same over that period.

Chief Walter Naveau of Mattagami First Nation said "This agreement has been a long wait for me as Chief and for our community. We are thankful to Goldcorp and the other First Nations involved for creating a meaningful negotiation process based on respect, open dialogue and the goal of creating mutual benefits. I am also grateful to Shawn Batise and Wabun Tribal Council for helping to establish a ground breaking agreement that others can look up to."

The agreement includes provisions for training, employment, business and contracting opportunities along with a consultation framework for regulatory permitting. Scholarship and bursary opportunities will also be provided for the youth of Mattagami, Wahgoshig, Matachewan and Flying Post First Nations. "This agreement is about building capacity in the communities and fostering a lasting partnership through transparent and open information-sharing," said Lauzier.

Chief David Babin of Wahgoshig First Nation said "I am very pleased that Goldcorp negotiated this Resource Development Agreement with the four impacted First Nations surrounding Timmins, including Wahgoshig First Nation. Goldcorp has demonstrated a willingness to work with the First Nations surrounding Timmins and provide real and tangible benefits and opportunities to help build capacity. This Agreement will be another example of how industry and First Nations can work successfully together."