Communities
For NOVAGOLD, community and social responsibility is a wide-ranging, essential activity that is core to all that we do – whether in the boardroom, at the project site, or in communities – and has been practiced consistently for more than 20 years at the Donlin Gold project. Our social responsibility is expressed in the openness with which the project team approaches interactions with any stakeholder. The Donlin Gold LLC team, who is based in Anchorage and various villages in the Y-K region, works collaboratively with NOVAGOLD and Barrick Gold to support community and social responsibility efforts.
“The people and villages of our region are our number one priority. At Donlin Gold, we always strive to be good neighbors, investing in the communities of the Yukon-Kuskokwim region. Every person going home safe and healthy every day is our guiding principle, whether it is at work or in our community. Together, we are building a better future.”
Colleen Laraux
Community Relations Coordinator, residing in Bethel
Donlin Gold LLC
NOVAGOLD actively participates in the development and implementation of the Donlin Gold LLC Community Development and Strategic Plan, which includes guiding principles around establishing trust and key initiatives to educate and engage stakeholders, invest in communities, and monitor and evaluate the environment in the Y-K region in conjunction with Donlin Gold LLC’s Native Corporation partners, Calista and TKC.
NOVAGOLD assists Donlin Gold LLC with their overall community outreach planning and execution. NOVAGOLD also provides support to Donlin Gold LLC in emphasizing local hire of individuals and suppliers for the project in accordance with Donlin Gold LLC’s agreements with and commitments to Calista and TKC. As landowners, Calista and TKC are dedicated to developing a mining operation consistent with the Elders’ vision of responsible development that creates jobs and economic benefits for the communities while protecting the environment and local culture. This commitment is at the heart of both NOVAGOLD’s and Donlin Gold LLC’s philosophy on how the project should be developed. We aim to achieve mutually beneficial project goals through openness, transparency, and constructive dialogue, and with respect for the values, the culture, and the language of the people of the Y-K region. We place great emphasis on ongoing engagement and consultation with stakeholders in partnership with Calista and TKC throughout the entire project development process.
Alaska Native and Tribal Member Employment
During the 2022 field season, 82% of Donlin Gold LLC’s direct hires were Alaska Natives from 24 Y-K communities. Most are also members of their federally recognized Tribes. Many of our Alaska Native employees have worked at the project site for more than a decade in a region marked by high unemployment and fewer job options than in urban areas. The work experience and skills gained at Donlin Gold are particularly valuable to the local community members.
