IIBA Newsletter (April-September 2022)

IIBA Newsletter

Investing in People. Building for the Future.

Moving FOrward

April 2022 to September 2022

STRAIGHT STATS

A successful year of Inuit training and employment.

See page 2

SEASON OF STEWARDSHIP

Embracing and incorporating Inuit.

See page 4

NAVIGATING ARCTIC WATERS

From narwhal to cruise Ships

“protecting the environment”. See page 8

ADVENTURE AT MARY RIVER

Three stranded hunters, a broken boat and a 34-tonne plane with nowhere to land; how Baffinland stepped in to help. See page 15

AT A GLANCE

$125.9M Paid to Inuit firms

2.8M Tonnes transported from Mary River Mine to Milne Port

$8.24M Baffinland Inuit Payroll $4.27M Contractor Inuit Payroll

BRIAN PENNEY

Without a doubt the last 6 months have been hectic, informative, challenging and at times, disappointing. While it could be easy to only see the negative at the end of a long 4 years of consultations,testimony and permitting, I am choosing to look ahead with a positive perspective.

On the heels of the Federal Government’s denial of our Phase 2 application, we have filed our formal submission for our plans for 2023 and beyond. Baffinland’s Sustaining Operations Proposal (SOP) will be focused on ensuring there is uninterrupted work at the Mary River Mine for the foreseeable future.

Similar to the current activity levels we have been working at since 2018, our SOP submission contains no proposed changes to current operations with respect to ore extraction and processing at the Mine site. Our hope is to ensure there is longer-term internal and external stability at these current limits, in order to give us time to continue to evaluate the feasibility of the already approved Southern rail option and/ or other options.

We have been clear that ultimately, Baffinland must switch to a rail operation for the economic longevity of the project, but the proposed continuance of the approved 2018-22 transportation activity levels will allow us to sustain relationships with existing markets. This will also allow us to capitalize on the global demand for ore, which will contribute to the long-term viability of the Project and in turn help prevent temporary or early closures.

Unwavering in all of this has been our commitment to training and employing Nunavummiut and Inuit workers. Despite our recent setbacks, we have continued to create and add positions across the Baffinland organization for Inuit leadership and input. In 2022, we hired 9 of 10 community representatives, known as Inuit Knowledge Holders and Community Relations Guides, for the five communities. Their goal will be to share their knowledge to ensure the company provides tailored, relevant and culturally appropriate services in their communities.

For 2023 and beyond, we plan to continue to grow our Inuit workforce, with the goal of solidifying Baffinland’s place as Nunavut’s largest private sector employer.

I couldn’t be prouder of the Baffinland team and the good work we have been doing. I look forward to what is coming next.

Brian Penney

This report covers from April 2022 to September 2022, except where otherwise indicated.

BAFFINLAND STATISTICS

INUIT PAYROLL

EMPLOYMENT

Inuit Hours Worked

Baffinland received approval from the Minister of Northern affairs to continue operating at 6.0 million tonnes in 2022, preserving 1,100 high paying jobs including more than 300 positions held by Inuit employees.

Termination Notices and Hiring Freeze

Due to a period of uncertainty around our 6.0 million tonnes operating permit this year, Baffinland issued termination notices to 1,328 employees, including 209 Inuit, and implemented a hiring freeze. During this difficult time, our Baffinland team worked tirelessly to obtain the necessary approval and worked closely and urgently with the Nunavut Impact Review Board to come to an agreement. On October 4, we were pleased the Minister of Northern Affairs Dan Vandal permitted Baffinland to continue operating at 6.0 million tonnes in 2022.

From April 2022 to September 2022, Baffinland Inuit employees and contractors worked a combined total of 277,939 hours at the Mary River Mine.

Inuit Knowledge Holders & Community Relations Guides

In 2022, Baffinland created 10 new community based jobs, to further our commitment to ongoing engagement with all Nunavummiut. So far, we have hired five Inuit Knowledge Holders and four Community Relations Guides, to work in the affected communities - Pond Inlet, Sanirajak, Clyde River, Igloolik and Arctic Bay.

The Inuit Knowledge Holders are grounded in Inuit ways, customs, traditions, and ceremonies. They will share their knowledge with Baffinland teams, to ensure the company provides relevant and culturally appropriate services. They will also contribute to the continuous development of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) in all of our operations and interactions.

The Community Relations Guides are skilled in hunting and harvesting, and have a deep understanding of local wildlife. They will pass on what the elders have shared with them ov.er the years, in relation to a variety of environment, wildlife, people, careers and training activities. They will also communicate Baffinland’s immediate and long-term objectives, respond to any community questions, and advise Baffinland leaders on how to enhance effective community relations.

MEET OUR NEW INUIT KNOWLEDGE HOLDERS & COMMUNITY RELATIONS GUIDES

ILKOO ANGUTIKJUAK, IKH – CLYDE RIVER

Ilkoo Angutikjuak was born in a tent near Clyde River in 1942. In the 1980s, he served one term as mayor of Clyde River and he was also a member of the local Justice Committee. Ilkoo has worked as a CBC Community Reporter and a local radio announcer in the hamlet. He enjoys travelling on the land, hunting, fishing, and spending time in his cabin near Clyde River. Ilkoo has six children, 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

ANDREW IQALUKJUAK, CRG – CLYDE RIVER

Andrew Iqalukjuak was the mayor of Clyde River from 2008 to 2010, and has held many jobs in the community, including Recreation Coordinator, First Air Cargo Agent, Fuel Truck driver, and a member of four Dew line site cleanups. He was born in a matchbox house near Clyde River in 1969, and has also lived in Pond Inlet, Pangnirtung and Iqaluit. He enjoys hunting, fishing and travelling on the land and sea, and has made several trips from Clyde River to Pond Inlet and from there to Arctic Bay and back to Pond Inlet. He has six children and six grandchildren.

DANIEL QATTALIK, IKH – IGLOOLIK

Daniel Qattalik is a member of the Tuukkaq Elders’ Society in Igloolik. He has been a Hamlet Councillor, a board member of the Hunters and Trappers Association, and was a Housing Maintainer for the Igloolik Housing Association before he retired. Daniel was born in Kappuivik, an outpost camp near Igloolik, and he still enjoys hunting occasionally in the spring. He has seven children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

MEET OUR NEW INUIT KNOWLEDGE HOLDERS & COMMUNITY RELATIONS GUIDES

CELESTINO UYARAK, CRG – IGLOOLIK

Celestino Uyarak was born in Frobisher Bay (now Iqaluit) in 1962. He has been a casual Advisor for the Government of Nunavut, and was an Assistant Senior Administrative Officer in the Hamlet of Igloolik for five years. He also worked for Igloolik’s Hunters and Trappers Organization, and was elected Mayor in 2016. He is currently involved in the hamlet’s Community Wellness Committee. Celestino is married to Leslie Auksaq and they have three children and seven grandchildren.

MOSES OYUKULUK, IKH – ARCTIC BAY

Moses Oyukuluk has been the Mayor of Arctic Bay several times since 1998. He has also been on the board of many Arctic Bay organizations, including the Housing Association and the Hunters and Trappers Association. Moses opened his own business, Arqvaaqtuuq Services, in 1993, and has contracts with various companies as a Heavy Equipment Operator. In 1998, he co-founded North Baffin’s famous dog team race, The Nunavut Quest, which is still running today. Moses has six children, and so many grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he says he’s lost count.

TIMOTHY KUPPAQ, IKH – SANIRAJAK

Timothy Kuppaq has been involved with community organizations in Sanirajak for more than two decades, including the Hamlet Council, Hunters and Trappers Organization and Housing Association. Before retiring, he was a Heavy Equipment Operator, Construction Labourer and Substitute Teacher. Timothy has been a hunter all of his life, but has slowed down due to age. He has five children and eight grandchildren.

ENOKI IRQITTUQ, CRG – SANIRAJAK

Enoki Irqittuq is a retired hunter from Sanirajak, where he served as Mayor several times in the 1980s and ‘90s. He has been involved with the Hamlet Council, Housing Association, Elders’ Committee, District Education Authority, Church Committee and the Search and Rescue organization. Enoki has worked for Kudlik Construction as a Heavy Equipment Operator, and for the DEW line as a janitor. He also worked for the first Nunavut Legislature, and currently runs an outfitting business. Enoki has nine children, more than 20 grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren. He is also waiting to be ordained as an Anglican Minister by the Bishop of Nunavut

ELIJAH NASHOOK, IKH – POND INLET

Elijah Nashook is an active hunter from Pond Inlet, where he was mayor for one term, and president of the Mittimatalik Hunters and Trappers Organization (MHTO) for 2 years. He has been a Hamlet Councillor, MHTO board member, chair of the District of Education Authority, and is still a member of the Elders’ Committee. He was also an airport maintainer for 10 years. Elijah has been hosting community dance competitions for several years. He has three children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

CALEB SANGOYA, CRG – POND INLET

Caleb Sangoya has been hunting, fishing and camping all of his life, and spends a few weeks every summer with his family, at his cabins outside of Pond Inlet. For many years, Caleb was a field worker and coordinator for the Nunavut Agreement negotiators. He was also a Community Social Worker in Pond Inlet for 14 years and a board member of the Mittimatalik Hunters and Trappers Organization and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board. Caleb is a retired Anglican Minister, and has been a church leader in Pond Inlet for 30 years. He has four children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Preferred Inuit Firm Status:

Any Inuit firm with 100% Inuit ownership designated as a Preferred Inuit Firm (PIF) with Baffinland gains early access to certain contracting opportunities at the Mary River Project. An Inuit Firm must satisfy the following criteria to be designated as a PIF:

a) Registered with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI)

b) Located and operating within the Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut

c) 100% owned and operated by Inuit (not a joint venture with a larger organization)

d) Community presence (beyond a Post Office Box) and ability to demonstrate such presence.

Those interested in developing new contracting opportunities with Baffinland are encouraged to contact the Kakivak Association (http://www.kakivak.ca/en/contact) or email procurement@baffinland.com

A detailed report of Baffinland’s contracting activities is available from the Kakivak Association, the QIA or your local BCLO.

OUR EMPLOYEES’ VOICES MATTER

We asked our Mary River site employees to share their thoughts and perspectives on three topics – what they like most about their job, why the job is important to them, and why Baffinland’s continued operations matter. Here are a few answers. Because their voices matter.

“Baffinland being approved to continue mining 6 million tonnes would mean that we locals can keep our jobs. We might have more Inuit contractors as well!” - Salmo Inutiq

“My job at Baffinland is very important to me because I have bills to pay, and children to feed at home, plus I help my siblings too so they can have food to eat”

- Lenee Angutikjuak

“Baffinland getting approval to continue to ship 6 million tonnes each year is important to me because it will mean that I can continue to have a steady job, and a steady income. There are hardly any jobs available in my home community.” - Kakee

Joamie

Kakee Joamie Darrel Aola Jamie Mark Joanie Joamie Iga Iqaqrialu Annie Qaunirq

MARY RIVER & MILNE INLET NEWS

Indigenous Peoples Day

Cultural Site Events

After a two year pause on in-person activities, Baffinland was pleased to host on-site celebratory events this year for Nunavut Day and Indigenous Peoples Day at the Mary River and Milne Inlet sites. Our cultural advisors worked hard to schedule programs and activities including ceremonial lighting of the qulliq, traditional Inuit games and special throat singing performance by our site employees, Alannah Innutiq and Amanda Akeeagok.

On Nunavut Day

We were thrilled to have former Nunavut Premier and Baffinland Senior Advisor, Paul Quassa, join us as a special guest host to lead the opening ceremony on site and a weekend full of festivities. He shared his unique perspective on the creation of Nunavut, and stayed on site all weekend long to participate in activities, enjoy a Country Food Feast, and answer any questions from Baffinland employees.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

This year, Baffinland commemorated National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Orange Shirt Day, by providing all staff with a specially designed orange t-shirt, to honour the lost children and survivors of the residential school system. As we reflect on the tragic history, we also acknowledge the lasting generational trauma of Inuit and Indigenous people across Canada. In the spirit of reconciliation, we encouraged all our employees for a small donation when collecting their orange t-shirts, and Baffinland matched all donations made. Together, we raised a total of $3,262 for the Ilisaqsivik Society, a non-profit organization based in Clyde River that is dedicated to increasing the well-being and potential of all Nunavummiut. We support all Inuit and Indigenous people on their healing journeys and will continue to honour their rich cultures and traditions.

For anyone that needs support, the Government of Canada has a National Indian Residential School Crisis Hotline at 1-866-925-4419. Baffinland also partners with the Ilisaqsivik Society who offers the Community Counsellor Program, which provides counselling by Inuit, for Inuit. Contact the Ilisaqsivik Society at 1-867-924-6565.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Nunavut Quest

Baffinland was proud to sponsor the 24th annual Nunavut Quest – North Baffin’s long-running sled dog race. Each spring, teams of mushers and their dogs compete for six days, through blizzards, high winds and severe temperatures, across 500 kilometres of rough terrain and cracking sea ice. The Nunavut Quest celebrates a time when traveling by dog team was a way of life in the North, and we are proud to support this special event.

Qamutik Cup

Baffinland was also a proud sponsor of the 12th annual North Baffin Hockey Tournament, the Qamutik Cup, which was held for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament is always scheduled for the weekend after the Nunavut Quest ends, and is hosted by the community where the finish line is. Hockey teams from communities across North Baffin gathered in Igloolik for this year’s Qamutik Cup. With Summit Air as our partner, we were able to fly in participants from Arctic Bay and Pond Inlet, and supplied fuel for those travelling by snowmobile.

SHIPPING MONITORING

For the second year in a row, Baffinland delayed the start of the shipping season this summer until icebreaking was no longer required. This is just one of many mitigation measures we’ve implemented, in direct response to Inuit input, to reduce the impact on narwhal in Eclipse Sound during this sensitive time.

The 2022 shipping season officially began on July 30, and ended early, on October 13, because of rapidly changing ice conditions in the region. Overall, 62 ore carriers were loaded at Milne Port this season.

MARINE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING PROGRAMS:

From ship to shore, in the air and under the sea, Baffinland closely monitors any potential impacts of our shipping activities on marine mammals and local communities. Our mitigation measures are adaptive, based on ongoing Inuit consultation and feedback from the affected communities. All of our operational decisions are guided by Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.

Land Based Monitoring

• Monitors based at Bruce Head observe and investigate narwhal response to shipping along the Northern Shipping Route, using visual and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) surveys.

• Full-time Inuit shipping monitors based in Pond Inlet track and view the speed and location of all vessels and provide daily updates

Marine Mammal Aerial Surveys

• Aerial surveys monitor ringed seal density and distribution during spring, as well as narwhal abundance and distribution of other marine mammal species throughout the shipping season.

Marine Environmental Effects

• Our monitors test water and sediment quality, and study fish abundance and health, with a focus on Arctic char. They also analyse metal contaminants and conduct ballast water compliance testing.

VESSEL MONITORING

Baffinland’s shipping monitors had a busy season, tracking all vessels in the region, and reporting on violations, including numerous cruise ships travelling at troubling speeds. Some also entered ‘no-go’ zones, identified by local Inuit as ecologically sensitive. The opening of the Northwest Passage is attracting more passenger ships to the Arctic, underscoring the need for standardized regulations in northern waterways.

Baffinland has voluntarily implemented strict mitigation measures to reduce the potential impact of our shipping activities on marine mammals, especially narwhal. Our ships stayed in a narrow Northern Shipping Route, traveled in convoys to reduce total underwater sound, and were restricted to a maximum speed of 9 knots –a new industry standard.

COMMUNICATION

Baffinland is committed to transparency. We engage with community members every day about all aspects of our operations, including shipping. We are listening.

• Shipping Monitors, based in Pond Inlet, were available 24 hours a day over the entire shipping season, to address community questions, comments and concerns

• They could also be reached by email –shipping@baffinland.com –and by phone – 867-899-1807

• Live tracking of vessels was available through our Automated Information System (AIS) monitoring station in Pond Inlet

• We offered regular updates on upcoming vessel activity through local radio, marine VHF and on our Facebook Shipping page: https://www.facebook.com/baffinland.shipping.7/

• Answers to frequently asked questions are always available on Baffinland’s website, www.baffinland. com, under Operation > Shipping & Monitoring.

• The website also provides 24-hour access to the locations of vessels traveling to and from Milne Port.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Baffinland is proud to provide education, training and employment opportunities to all Nunavummiut. With an estimated 10,000 young Inuit entering the workforce over the next decade, Baffinland has the potential to become the biggest employer in Nunavut, providing high-paying jobs for years to come. To get their careers started, we give laptop computers to all graduating high school students in the five affected communities.

We also support and encourage participation in the community-based Adult Basic and Pathway to Adult Secondary School Diploma, in partnership with Nunavut Arctic College.

Scholarships

As part of our continuing commitment to Inuit education and training, Baffinland is proud to offer scholarships to qualifying candidates, to further support their pursuit of a post-secondary education. We recognize the importance of learning and development as a pillar to the ongoing development of Nunavummiut and their communities.

For 2022/2023, five scholarships, in the amount of $5,000 each, will be awarded in the following educational areas:

• Marine & Environmental Studies

• Geology & Engineering

• Health & Wellness

• Education & Management Studies

• Business Administration

To apply, submit the application and supporting documentation (listed in the application guidelines), to our Baffinland offices in Arctic Bay, Clyde River, Sanirajak, Igloolik, and Pond Inlet, to our Northern Headquarters in Iqaluit, or by email at contact@ baffinland.com. Application forms are available on Baffinland’s website and in our Baffinland offices and Northern Headquarters. All applications must be submitted by January 27, 2023.

Work Ready Training

Our community-based Work Readiness Training (WRT) programs provide Inuit students with a solid foundation for a new career, at Baffinland or anywhere they choose to work. Held both remotely and in person, the WRT courses are conducted by Baffinland’s IIBA Employment Training Specialist, and include an introduction to mining, financial literacy, and the challenges of working in a fly-in, fly-out operation.

Some graduates move on to our highly-successful on-site WRT program, where they job-shadow in five different departments, getting hands-on training. Those who qualify are then offered jobs, based on the best fit.

We also offer a six-week Heavy Equipment Operators Training (HEOT) program in Morrisburg, Ontario, that provides graduating Inuit students with a diploma, along with certifiable and transferable skills. To apply for any of these training programs, contact the Baffinland Community Liaison Officer (BCLO) in your community.

To apply for any of these training program, contact the Baffinland Community Liaison (BCLO) in your community.

10,000

Source: Government of Nunavut

Pre-Trade Apprenticeship Training

As part of Baffinland’s commitment to ongoing skills development and training, we offer an apprenticeship program for candidates interested in a career in the skilled trades. Those trades include carpenter, electrician, heavy duty mechanic, plumber and welder.

Recruits spend six months as a Trades Assistant at Baffinland, job shadowing and getting hands-on training in their chosen field. Then they take the Trades Entrance exam, and those who succeed become fulltime, permanent apprentices at Baffinland.

Q-STEP Programs

The training initiatives provided by Baffinland are rolled out under the Qikiqtani Skills and Training for Employment Partnership (Q-STEP), with the goal of increasing Inuit employment at the Mary River Mine, and providing Inuit with certifiable and transferable skills. The Q-STEP programs are offered in partnership with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, as part of our commitments in the Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement (IIBA).

the number of young Nunavummiut expected to enter the workforce in the next decade.

WORKING TOGETHER

Baffinland’s impressive infrastructure has raised questions about the potential of external collaboration, from sharing our warehouse space and housing facilities, to providing fuel and even our tarmac when needed. That was put to the test in July, and we passed with flying colours.

A Canadian military search & rescue mission from CFB Trenton was looking for three missing hunters from Igloolik. The crew finally located them, stranded on a remote island after their boat broke down. By the time supplies were air-dropped until the men could be rescued by boat, the crew was exhausted and running low on fuel. That’s when Baffinland got the call.

The massive aircraft, an RCAF C-130 Hercules, landed at Mary River, where Baffinland provided 13 thousand litres of fuel, plus food and lodging for 9 RCAF members, and access to all our facilities for their mandatory 12-hour rest period.

Baffinland is pleased that this mission was successful and the hunters returned home safely. We are always ready to help.

MEET OUR BCLO S

Baffinland’s Community Liaison Officers (BCLOs) are located in all five North Baffin communities Igloolik, Arctic Bay, Sanirajak, Pond Inlet, and Clyde River. Our BCLOs help support community members and act as a bridge between Baffinland and the communities. This year, we created individual Facebook Pages for each BCLO, and now they are more accessible than ever. To connect with your BCLO, visit their Facebook Pages, and send them a message, or visit Baffinland.com/contact to find their contact information.

LENA ANGUTIQJUAQ – IGLOOLIK

Hi, I’m Lena Angutiqjuaq, the Baffinland Community Liaison Officer (BCLO) for Igloolik. I joined Baffinland as a BCLO three years ago, and since then, I have had the opportunity to provide advice and guidance to Igloolik community members who looking for employment or training opportunities with Baffinland.

I encourage Igloolik community members to apply to work at Baffinland because we offer great employment, training opportunities and benefits to all Inuit employees.

Follow the Igloolik BCLO Page to stay up to date on the latest jobs, training opportunities, and other Baffinland updates: https://www.facebook.com/IgloolikBCLO

MEENA OYUKULUK – ARCTIC BAY

Hi, I’m Meena Oyukuluk, the Baffinland Community Liaison Officer (BCLO) for Arctic Bay. I have been a BCLO with Baffinland for the last 8 years. As a BCLO, I get the opportunity to provide advice and guidance to Arctic Bay community members who are looking for employment or training opportunities with Baffinland. I also help direct inquiries from community members to the appropriate people at the Mary River site or the head office. I interact with many different people from my community and Baffinland, every day.

What I love most about my job is that I help Arctic Bay community members take advantage of the numerous jobs and training opportunities Baffinland offers.

Follow the Arctic Bay BCLO Page to stay up to date on the latest jobs and training opportunities, and other Baffinland updates: https://www.facebook.com/arcticbayBCLO

RAGILEE NANGMALIK – SANIRAJAK

Hi, I’m Ragilee Nangmalik, the Baffinland Community Liaison Officer (BCLO) for Sanirajak. I joined Baffinland to conduct community surveys last year, and shortly after, I was appointed as BCLO of Sanirajak. As a BCLO, I get the opportunity to provide advice and guidance to Sanirajak community members who are looking for employment and training opportunities with Baffinland, and support them throughout the process.

I encourage everyone to apply for Baffinland’s online or community-based training programs. I am here to help you every step of the way.

Follow the Sanirajak BCLO Page to stay up to date on the latest jobs and training opportunities, and other Baffinland updates: https://www.facebook.com/SanirajakBCLO

GEORGE IQALUKJUAK – CLYDE RIVER

Hi, I’m George Iqalukjuak, the Baffinland Community Liaison Officer (BCLO) for Clyde River. I joined Baffinland eight years ago. As a BCLO, I provide advice and guidance to Clyde River community members who are looking for employment or training opportunities with Baffinland.

I enjoy helping people create and edit their resumes, filling out job application forms, and applying for training courses like the Work Readiness Program, Heavy Equipment Operator Training courses, or other pre-trades training offered by Baffinland.

Follow the Clyde River BCLO Page to stay up to date on the latest jobs and training opportunities, and other Baffinland updates: https://www.facebook.com/clyderiverBCLO

ERICA KOONARK – POND INLET

Hi, I’m Erica Koonark, the Baffinland Community Liaison Officer (BCLO) for Pond Inlet. I joined Baffinland as a BCLO very recently (this November), and I am excited to learn all about the company and the benefits they bring to the surrounding communities. I look forward to working with Pond Inlet community members and providing them advice and guidance to secure employment and training with Baffinland. I encourage everyone, and specially our youth, to apply for the Work Readiness Training program, and work at the Mary River site.

I welcome you to come visit my office if you have any questions about Baffinland or their employment and training programs. I am here to answer any questions and help you in your journey.

Follow the Pond Inlet BCLO Page to stay up to date on the latest jobs and training opportunities, and other Baffinland updates: https://www.facebook.com/PondInletBCLO