Old news, but never posted here before.
Paul West-Sells has been the Chair of the Department of Innovations in Northern Mining at Yukon University (formerly Yukon College) since November, 2011. In addition:
Casino Mining proud to be first company to complete Yukon First Nations 101
May 31, 2016
WHITEHORSE – Casino Mining Corporation (“Casino”) is pleased to announce that its entire team, including all those working for Casino’s parent company, Western Copper and Gold Corporation., has completed the Yukon First Nations 101 course, which was developed in partnership by the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN), Yukon College’s office of First Nations Initiatives and all 14 Yukon First Nations.
Casino is the first mining company to undertake and complete the course, which was unveiled in January.
Delivered online by Yukon College’s Northern Institute for Social Justice (NISJ), Yukon First Nations 101, to which CYFN holds the copyright, was created to educate territorial and federal government employees, the private sector and non-governmental organizations about the history and culture of Yukon First Nations.
“Better understanding the Yukon, working with Yukon First Nation governments and citizens, and learning more about the territory’s rich indigenous culture is a priority for us,” said Paul West-Sells, Casino’s President & CEO and Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining (CNIM) Governing Council Chair. “I encourage everyone involved in the Yukon mining industry to follow our lead and take this very rewarding and illuminating course.”
“Learning and understanding the spirit and intent of Land Claims and Self-government Agreements is a crucial step in doing business in Yukon,” said CYFN Grand Chief Ruth Massie. “Businesses and anyone who works with First Nations in Yukon need to learn about the 14 First Nations prior to proposing work within the traditional territories of Yukon First Nations.”
“We appreciate Casino’s commitment to seeking a greater understanding of Yukon First Nations, and are pleased to make this program available to any Yukon business, service provider or non-government organization,” said Joanne Lewis, NISJ Executive Director. “
The online course is available to any Yukon business or non-governmental organization and more information can be found by contacting nisj@yukoncollege.yk.ca or 867.456.8590.
Casino is committed to developing its Casino Project, located 115 kilometres northwest of Carmacks, in an environmentally and socially responsible way, recognizing the values of Yukon residents, businesses and communities.
The Casino team encourages the input of all Yukoners and has several communication channels available to ensure dialogue with the company is open and responsive.