Pan Pacific Aggregates and the Sechelt Indian Band council have been drafting a memorandum of understanding to establish the terms of a relationship and a working partnership between the two parties. As of Aug. 16, an understanding was not finalized or signed, according to Pan Pacific CEO Don Nicholson. The document, now in its fifth or sixth draft, is an "expression of genuine interest to work together," Nicholson said.
At the two groups' first meeting in June, council suggested signing a memorandum of understanding, Nicholson said. The document would be a framework for things both groups think are important, he explained.
In a July 15 letter to Chief Stan Dixon and the Band council, Nicholson states, "Pan Pacific Aggregates Ltd. wishes to enter into a partnership for Resource Development within the Sechelt Nation." If the understanding were signed, the next step would be to look into compensation, royalties and a joint venture agreement, according to the letter.
At the same meeting, council brought up the issue of jobs for Band members, Nicholson said. The message to Pan Pacific from the Band was the Band is a reference source for any Band member applying for a job. Council asked that a Band member's progress be referred back to the Band, Nicholson said. Since that meeting, Pan Pacific has followed that process, he added.
At Pan Pacific's Aug. 10 public forum, the Band's land claims co-ordinator, Robert Joe, made statements about his mistrust in how the chief is dealing with Pan Pacific, especially regarding jobs. This week, Dixon said he could not comment because Joe's statements are under investigation and under legal affairs.
Coast Reporter also sought comment from Joe this week. A message was not returned by press time on Thursday.
Nicholson said any discussion over jobs for Band members, such as looking at working with the sawmill, happened with the entire council, not just the chief.
The Band also recommended a Band member who could do archaeological assessments on the land, which Nicholson said has been underway.
Pan Pacific began its mineral exploration work on two sites above Porpoise Bay earlier this year.
"Mr. Joe's insinuations and inflammatory remarks questioning the integrity of the relationship between Pan Pacific Aggregates and Chief Stan Dixon were unwarranted," said Gayle Bukowsky, communications manager for Pan Pacific. "Pan Pacific Aggregates continues to be committed to a strong, long-term relationship with the Sechelt Indian Band built on honesty and trust."
