The Cree First Nation of Waswanipi (CFNW), the Cree Nation Government, the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee), and Windfall Mining Group Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Gold Fields, have announced the signing of a landmark Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) for the Windfall Mining Project. Known as the Uukiimau Agreement (ᐆᑮᒪᐤ ᓀᔅᑯᒨᓐ), meaning 'the leader' or 'the head,' the name evokes the headwaters of a river and honors Father Lake, a site of deep cultural significance for the tallyman.
Partnership Built on Trust
This defining moment marks an enduring partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared purpose, and a common vision for the future. The agreement is a commitment made in good faith, developed through sustained dialogue, and designed to last for the life of the Windfall operation. Grand Chief Paul John Murdoch of the Cree Nation Government emphasized that strong relationships are built when parties work together with honesty, respect, and shared responsibility. He noted that the Uukiimau Agreement reflects this approach and establishes a foundation for responsible development that respects Cree values while creating long-term opportunities for communities and future generations.
Chief Irene Neeposh of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi added that the agreement marks an important milestone in the partnership with Gold Fields. Together, they have established a framework that will create lasting benefits for Waswanipi through jobs, training, and contracting opportunities, while ensuring that development respects the land, values, and Cree way of life. She highlighted that this agreement lays the foundation for a sustainable and prosperous future for Waswanipi.
Commitment to Responsible Development
Patrick Tobin, Senior Vice-President Canada of Gold Fields, stated that the agreement represents a shared commitment to the responsible and sustainable development of the Windfall Project. He expressed pride in moving forward together with the Cree partners. The Uukiimau Agreement establishes a comprehensive framework spanning financial, operational, environmental, and social commitments, ensuring that natural resource development in the region creates genuine, lasting benefits for Cree communities and future generations.
At its core, the agreement reflects a shared responsibility to work together in a way that respects Cree values, knowledge, and connection to the land. It supports the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi in defining its own priorities and ensures meaningful community involvement in decisions affecting its territory. The framework integrates Cree perspectives into environmental stewardship, employment, training, and business opportunities, aligning with Gold Fields' 2035 Aspirations by placing people, partnerships, and long-term value at the center of the project.
A celebratory ceremony will be held in Waswanipi on June 10, 2026, to mark this historic occasion. Through this agreement, the Windfall Mining Project will generate tangible benefits for Cree members, including jobs, support for local businesses, and investments through funds in community initiatives, strengthening a relationship built on dialogue, respect, and shared outcomes.
