CIM Indigenous Partnership Award

CIM Awards
CIM Indigenous Partnership Award

For significant, ongoing contribution to the advancement of Indigenous reconciliation in the mining sector

Origins & Conditions

In 2021 the CIM Awards committee identified a need for an award to recognize excellence in the field of Indigenous collaboration and economic development in natural resources extraction. They approached the CIM DIAC committee to support the development of the criteria for this award.

The CIM Indigenous Partnership Award celebrates people working together to deliver an Initiative, Program or Agreement that demonstrates significant, ongoing contribution to the advancement of Indigenous reconciliation in the mining sector. This award serves to honour exceptional, sustainable collaborations with and within Indigenous communities.

This award shall be made jointly to an Indigenous community / business and a resources company for an Initiative, Program, or Agreement in the mining industry that meets one or more of the following criteria:

Innovative approaches to meaningful consultation and building respectful relationships between the mining industry and Indigenous communities.
Self-sustaining investment, or economic partnerships that enhance the economic, social, cultural, educational or health aspects of an Indigenous community.
Demonstrated collaboration between a mining company, Indigenous community, and government with a commitment to working towards obtaining free, prior and informed consent for economic development projects involving Indigenous Peoples and their lands.
Established education, mentorship, or training opportunities to attract and sustain Indigenous employment in the mining industry.
Procurement programs that support the growth of Indigenous led entrepreneurship and business development participation in the mining supply-chain.
Unique methods to accelerate returning land use, reclamation, or local climate resilience and to create opportunities for intergenerational knowledge transfer and land-based education.

Nomination Process

The award may be presented from time to time as nominations warrant, but normally, not more than one award may be made in any given calendar year. Nominators and nominees do not have to be CIM National Members.

 Nominations will include the following:

A brief written summary of the nominated Initiative, Program or Agreement and how it meets the criteria of the award.
List of companies’, communities’ and individuals’ names involved in the nominated Initiative, Program or Agreement.
Two additional accounts of support. These can be written, or video/verbal recordings. One of the accounts of support is required to be from an Indigenous community or Indigenous business, unless the nomination is by an Indigenous community or business.
One appendix of publicly available information that provides evidence of claims made in the nomination and support accounts (e.g. community newsletter, corporate sustainability reports, press releases).

Evaluation Criteria

Nominations are recommended to evaluated based on the following:

Confirmation that the impacted Indigenous community supports the nomination.
Evidence of collaboration in the development of the initiative/ program (rather than consultation).
Demonstration of the commitment to long-term sustainment of the initiative/program.
Transferability of the initiative/program – potential for reproduction/ implementation in multiple locations.
Scalability of the initiative/program – potential for expansion to the national or international scale.

Additional Recommendations

An additional suggestion that came out of the development of this award is to engage with the CIM Foundation regarding the potential to support the nomination process for this award. Several of this award’s criteria are related to the purpose of the CIM Foundation including improvement the contributionof the mineral industry to the progress and well being of Canada, and support for initiatives that build awareness of the industry’s dedication to the environment and innovation. The CIM Foundation may be an option for financial support for a community interested in pursuing a nomination for this award, but without adequate resources.

Nominate a candidate

Winners

2026

MFQ (Champion Iron) with the community of Uashat mak Mani-utenam

From QIO, David Cataford, Chief Executive Officer, Angela Kourouklis, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, and Yves Brouillette, General Manager of the Bloom Lake mine, were pleased to welcome Chief Jonathan Shetush and elected representatives of the Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-Utenam (ITUM) Council at the mine site and in Fermont in the summer of 2025.

Since the restart of the Bloom Lake mine in 2018, Quebec Iron Ore (QIO) has distinguished itself through its approach to building partnerships based on trust and respect with First Nations.

The company has the privilege of operating on the Nitassinan, the ancestral territory of the Innu communities of Uashat mak Mani‑Utenam and Matimekush-Lac John. As such, QIO is committed to limiting the impacts of its activities while maximizing benefits for its host communities.

This approach, deeply rooted in QIO’s corporate culture, is also reflected in a strong desire to contribute to the recognition and promotion of Innu culture and to foster dialogue, exchange, and learning within its teams.

It is in this spirit, and in collaboration with partners from the community of Uashat mak Mani‑Utenam, that QIO launched Kapatakan in 2024. This two‑day immersive experience at the heart of Innu culture allows participants to visit historic, traditional and cultural sites, and to meet entrepreneurs, leaders, and community members. To date, 160 employees have had the opportunity to take part in this unique experience.

2025

James Comegan

James Comegan is a respected elder from Big Grassy First Nation, known for his unwavering commitment to community and cultural traditions. A proud participant in the Sundance ceremony, he exemplifies the resilience and spirituality central to his heritage.

James is the visionary Founder of Mishkosiminiziibiing Development Corporation, where he works to foster economic growth and opportunities within his community. As CEO of Big Grassy First Nation LP, he has led successful initiatives that promote sustainable development and strong partnerships, particularly through the Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) with the gold mine on their territory.

Over the past decade, James has built a dedicated team grounded in collaboration and mutual respect, ensuring the needs and priorities of Big Grassy are always front and center. With a lifelong commitment to his people and a forward-thinking vision, James continues to inspire through his leadership, advocacy, and deep-rooted dedication to the values of Big Grassy First Nation.

CIM