The Gnaala Karla Booja People, the Traditional Owners of land in the Boddington area, held a smoking ceremony to celebrate an historic Community Partnership Agreement between Noongar (tribe) people and our mine. Designed to acknowledge their relationship to the land, the agreement provided a process through which mutual respect and common interests is being achieved. It also is helping build a stronger economic base for Indigenous people and their children.
"This agreement is about long-term and sustainable results for both the Noongar and the mine owners," said Glen Kelly, CEO of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, which provided support and assistance to the Gnaala Karla Booja people during negotiations.
Under the agreement, Boddington is required to provide prevocational training and directly employ a minimum of 100 Indigenous employees throughout the life of our mine. Our operation also will provide annual financial assistance to the Gnaala Karla Booja people starting in 2009. The money will be distributed to a charitable trust managed by a Traditional Owner Liaison Committee and mine representatives, who will determine annually how to invest the money for such uses as local business development and community projects.
Additionally, our mine will develop and contract with Indigenous-owned business enterprises and to promote education opportunities through scholarships, internships and apprenticeships.
"The agreement's social package targets school retention through scholarships, training with assured employment outcomes, and cultural support," Kelly said. "This will ensure tangible and long-term results. In my opinion, this will have a large and positive impact on the well-being of the Noongar people."
There are currently more than 40 Noongar people employed at the mine though Newmont and its contractors. Newmont has a dedicated Indigenous Employment Advisor.
Boddington's hiring process for Aboriginal people is through a pre-employment selection process that links to an on-site career development program which equips candidates to become part of the operation. Some Gnaala Karla Booja people with mine experience are directly employment into the operation.
Retention strategies include mentoring, career path development, skill-building training, cross cultural awareness training and leadership training.
