1. LiardLiardLiardLiard
FirstFirstFirstFirst
NationNationNationNation
Watson Lake YTWatson Lake YTWatson Lake YTWatson Lake YT
Liard Resource
Summit 2010
“I believe the elders and people of the
land need to learn what the land has to
Walking a mile in another’s
moccasins…
It’s a familiar saying, but nothing could more aptly describe the
Elder’s workshops on Day One of the Liard Resource Summit as they
role-played three points of view—a Mining Company, Liard First
Nation, and Government.
After a short term as CEO of the “Where
They Dig Out Rocks Mining Company,” Leda
Jules and her Board of Directors concluded
they were willing to give more
than the $10,000 requested by
the First Nation for resolving
issues. “ We want to work well
with Liard First Nation,” she
said.
“We want to resolve transporta-
tion issues. We believe in train-
ing and jobs for youth. We are
prepared to offer more for en-
vironmental studies,” she
added, responding to the con-
cerns of the Liard First Nation
team.
Commenting on the role-playing event the following day,” Leda
recognized that “Our role play showed us what we want to see from
mining companies.”
“I believe the elders and people of the
land need to learn what the land has to
offer the Liard First Nation,” said Leda
Jules in her role as Mining Co. CEO. “We
will provide funding to have the elders
come out and show us where their burial
sites are and the areas where we hunt
and have traditional activities,” she said.
Government
What can we do
to help?
Putting on the shoes of government officials, Alex’s group
concluded that government should bring everyone involved
together to negotiate. By meeting together, there will be a
greater possibility of understanding each other’s priorities and
concerns, so that they can work together to provide solutions.
This process could apply to Selwyn,” Alex Morrison con-
cluded. “Government, the Company and Liard First Nation
could plan together. Jobs are not the only matter at stake.
Our elders expect our shareholders (LFN citizens) to profit at
the end of the day. And environment is a major concern. We
can’t wait to get involved after problems occur so benefits
need to come after environmental considerations are settled.
I appreciate the Elders participating in the role play and the
wisdom we have all gained by looking at each other’s point of
view.”
Facilitator Jo Harris summed up other
insights learned from the exercise:
• Don’t be afraid to ask for too much
• Listen to each other
• Be prepared and know what to ask
• It’s all about communication
• Stimulate questions to ask and be
involved as a community
• The mining company, government
and First Nation should all be respect-
ful of each other.
• Role playing is a good way to learn to communicate and
improve listening skills
• Companies that have difficulties have poor
listening and communication skills.
133D Industrial Road, Whitehorse Y1A 2V2
(867) 668-6850 email: am_lfndc@yahoo.ca
November 2010Liard First Nation Development Corporation

2. Summit Highlights
Congratulations Graduates!
Seven graduates of the Multi-Equipment Program
(Hydraulic Excavator, Tracked Bulldozer, Wheel
Loader, Backhoe Loader and Skid Steer Loader)
sponsored by the Yukon Mine Training Association
were presented with Certificates on the opening day
of the Liard Resource Summit.
“These seven members have set the bar for further
training,” said Cynthia Kearns, YMTA Training
Liaison Worker. “They have been exceptional
students in the classroom and in field work. We’re
very pleased with the success of this project,” she
said.
Following the presentation
of certificates by their
Instructor, Chief Liard
McMillan provided each
graduate with a gift on
behalf of Liard First Nation.
“These men provide an
excellent example what can
be accomplished as we work in partnership with
YMTA and others to build capacity within our First
Nation. YMTA continues to be a significant sup-
porter of our goals and community, “ he added.
Multi-Equipment Program Graduates —”Exceptional Students”
Top Row, left to right, William Dickson, Darren Dickson, Nathan Stewart,
Kavan Schilling, Cynthia Kearns, Graham Gifford - Heavy Equipment Instructor,
Shane Magun, Shian Wolfe, Deanna McDonald, Chief Liard McMillan.
Bottom Row: Darryl Stewart, Jimmy Wolftail, Albert Morris
James Ross tells it like it is!
“I have seen many battles opposing mine
development that affects communities.
In each conflict it was interesting how the
fight to protect land and water from re-
source development that could be harm-
ful was not done by our governments of
the day. The last line of defense has been
First Nations.”
Having said that, James added he was not opposed to development as long it
is done in an orderly way. “There are a lot of mining projects that co-exist with
Native groups. Some companies have learned its worth it to learn about the
First Nation people and their land and adapt their projects to what is impor-
tant to the people. Successful companies know how to present themselves
and meet with the people. They prepare before they meet you. Companies
have options they can pursue to make it work. They will often start with the
cheapest way and move up from there.”
It’s not all about saying no to companies. Lots of young people need training
and work to get food on the table and companies need to be involved in this.”
James indicated there were many ways to work with mining companies to
reap economic benefits right away from economic development including
working with them to provide services, supporting individual entrepreneurs,
profit sharing, expediting, and partnering with large, successful First Nation
businesses across Canada. Liard First Nation Development Corporation is
involved in or currently pursuing many of the options.
Liard First NationLiard First NationLiard First NationLiard First Nation
Liard First Nation
Box 328, Watson Lake,
Yukon Y1A 1C0
867) 536-5201
Listening to the Heartbeat of our Community
“As resource development is inevitably going to
impact our land and our growth as a people
and as a community, we recognize there will be
questions, criticisms, comments (and hope-
fully compliments) as we walk through this
process.
Rest assured I’m listening – in my capacity as
Chief and Chairman of the LFNDC Board and
as an LFN Citizen— and along with your Coun-
cilors and LFNDC Board Members. In fact, we
want to encourage open dialogue and free
speech among members. We’re all in this
journey together and although the path is not
perfect, I believe we all share a similar vision for
our destination.”
Chief Liard McMillan