Rio Tinto, Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation inks agreement for an innovative and sustainable alliance

The signing of the first agreement named Kuessilueu, which means "the wind is turning" in Nelueun, by Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation and Rio Tinto marks the beginning of a new era in their relationship. From a human, cultural, and economic standpoint, this agreement lays the groundwork for both partners' innovative and sustainable alliance.

The agreement, which Gilbert Dominique signed, Chief of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation, and Sébastien Ross, Managing Director, Atlantic Operations, Rio Tinto Aluminium, is the first step in a special process that could result in as many as 80 representatives from the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation and Rio Tinto working together as early as 2023.

They will collaborate in multidisciplinary teams for several months to identify opportunities for collaboration and make recommendations on six shared priorities: employment and training, business opportunities, cultural heritage and environment, partnerships, energy transition, and governance. Within the next 18 months, the goal is to finalize a long-term partnership agreement.

The process these teams will follow is distinguished not only by its participatory nature but also by its decentralization. The participation of so many people aims to create a movement that will last beyond the agreement.

Concrete initiatives, such as implementing a team to find opportunities that meet both partners' ambitions concerning the energy transition and the beginning of an Indigenous awareness programme for Rio Tinto personnel in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, will shortly go into effect.

Gilbert Dominique, the Chief of Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation, said: “Today is an important day for us, Pekuakamiulnuatsh, in the affirmation of our ancestral rights, notably our inherent right to self-determination and our ancestral title. The signing of Kuessilueu is also part of a reconciliation process. It marks the beginning of a renewed relationship as true partners between Rio Tinto and my First Nation towards a harmonious cohabitation of Nitassinan, our ancestral territory. Our respective teams will focus on the future and work together to achieve a long-term partnership that will positively impact tomorrow.”

Sébastien Ross, the Managing Director of Atlantic Operations at Rio Tinto Aluminium, stated: “With the signing of the Kuessilueu agreement, we have a real opportunity as an organisation to create a movement that will shape our shared future on Nitassinan and assert our shared values. The collaboration between Rio Tinto and Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation is a long-standing one, and today, we are taking the next step through this co-creation approach. We hope to positively impact and inspire our employees and partners to continue building relationships and mutual understanding with the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation.”