Our Approach to Communities

NOVAGOLD actively contributes to shaping and executing the Donlin Gold LLC Community Development and Strategic Plan, built on guiding principles centered around trust. This encompasses key initiatives aimed at educating and engaging with stakeholders, investing in communities, and monitoring the social and environmental conditions in the Y-K region. Collaboration with Donlin Gold’s Alaska Native Corporation partners, Calista and TKC, underscores our commitment to responsible development.

In our role, NOVAGOLD assists Donlin Gold in community outreach planning and execution, emphasizing local hiring and supplier selection in alignment with agreements and commitments to Calista and TKC. As land and mineral owners, Calista and TKC share dedication to developing a mining operation aligned with the Elders’ vision, generating jobs, economic benefits, and environmental preservation. This philosophy guides both NOVAGOLD and Donlin Gold in project development.

Mutual project goals emphasize openness, transparency, and constructive dialogue, respecting the values, culture, and language of the Y-K region’s people. Ongoing engagement and consultation with stakeholders, in partnership with Calista and TKC, remain central throughout the project development process. In collaboration with Calista Corporation and TKC, Donlin Gold engages stakeholders and governmental entities in the Y-K region, Alaska, and Washington, D.C.

Fundraising and Community Support

In 2024, NOVAGOLD provided funding to Lotus Light Charity Societyʼs Survival Backpack pilot project, in partnership with Vancouverʼs First Responders (police and paramedics) to help the downtown eastsideʼs poorest and most vulnerable impacted by hospital discharge from medical emergencies or drug overdose, with emergency disaster relief and extreme weather alerts. “Vancouverʼs first responders are able to distribute these survival backpacks filled with essential clothing, blankets, hygiene kits and non-perishable food directly to individuals in crisis situations, where and when they need it the most,” said Mélanie Hennessey, VP, Corporate Communications.

Also in 2024, NOVAGOLD employees participated in and contributed to Lotus Light Charity’s annual winter drive event which distributed 1,000 winter care packages, 168 survival backpacks and 160 winter coats through the Vancouver Police Department’s Homelessness Outreach and Supportive Housing Team, BC Ambulance Services, and City of Vancouver and Richmond homeless shelters. NOVAGOLD employees also contributed to and supported Lotus Light Charity’s Food Recovery Program which rescues excess food inventories from local food manufacturers and retailers to reduce food waste. The program distributes 7,500 pounds of food each month from warehouses, restaurants, bakeries, and grocery chains to a recipient network of dozens of charities, including the Lotus Light Emergency Kitchen which has provided over 10,000 hot meals, fresh fruit, and snacks for the homeless and seniors in Vancouver’s downtown eastside neighborhood. In 2024, this program provided over 100,000 pounds of food to benefit low income meal programs and charity soup kitchens in the Lower Mainland.