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COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY
Engaging with communities in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner while developing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships has been our approach since the early exploration of the Donlin Gold project.
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NOVAGOLD is committed to respecting the history, culture, and customs of Indigenous communities who own, inhabit, or
use lands on which the company operates. We respect the social, economic, and cultural rights of local and Indigenous people, strive to communicate with communities, stakeholders, and shareholders in an accurate and transparent manner, and endeavor to share success through partnerships with stakeholders in community development programs.
Donlin Gold promotes economic self-reliance among Native communities through employment opportunities, business enterprise support, economic diversification, maintenance of subsistence lifestyles, and preferential contract consideration for Native-owned suppliers. As noted above, these are consistent with the specific Native employment and contracting requirements included in our life-of-mine agreements with Calista and TKC.
As the project progresses, Donlin Gold will continue to focus on developing programs that benefit local communities, including improved infrastructure, support for education and health services, cultural heritage preservation, employment and business opportunities, income from royalty streams and compensation payments, and environmental restoration and protection. Donlin Gold supports applicable principles and commitments in the International Council on Mining & Metals Position Statement on Mining and Indigenous Peoples, which promotes constructive relationships between the mining and metals industry and Indigenous people based on respect, meaningful engagement, and mutual benefit.
NOVAGOLD and its project partners are committed to preserving traditional lifestyles and providing economic opportunities to communities throughout the Y-K region, whose political and social structure is represented by a diverse group of social, business, and governmental entities. Relationships between these entities are often complex and influenced by competing political and economic interests. Calista, TKC, and a variety of other Alaska Native business entities and associations have an interest in the Donlin Gold project and its potential impact on the region. Engaging with communities in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner while developing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships has been our approach since the early exploration
of the Donlin Gold project – and will continue throughout the life cycle of the project.
In 2020, we supported Donlin Gold as it continued a multi- decade collaboration on community development programs with Native Corporation partners. These programs throughout the region benefit education, community wellness, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. Donlin Gold supports a wide range of organizations and causes, from youth sports to scholarships to search and rescue.