A report from the Giant Mine Oversight Board (GMOB) says the Federal government must respond to requests from Ingenious groups for an apology and compensation related to the Giant Mine’s operations.
The Oversight Board’s “Establishment Report” was released April 11.
“In the spirit of continued reconciliation, the GMOB recommends that the Federal Government formally respond to requests of Indigenous groups for an apology and compensation related to the historic operations at the Giant Mine,” the report says.
“These demands seem to have largely been ignored despite the Government of Canada’s current commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The GMOB is of the view that a formal apology would help to heal the harms of the past and greatly facilitate the ability of the Parties to move forward together.
“Failure to address the issues of a formal apology and a commitment to compensation are likely to affect the success of community engagement and the future of the remediation Project.”
The report also suggests making a five year plan that is available to the public, and taking the time to better understand traditional values in close collaboration with the Indigenous peoples affected.
More information is needed on the environmental hazards of the clean up project according to the report.
The Oversight Board says that this year they’ll be focusing more on engaging with the general public.