CELEBRATING STATE HISTORY THROUGH THE IDITAROD
Transcription
CELEBRATING STATE HISTORY THROUGH THE IDITAROD
CELEBRATING STATE HISTORY THROUGH THE IDITAROD For the fifth consecutive year, Donlin Gold was a Principal Partner Sponsor of the Iditarod, honoring the long history of mining and mushing in Alaska. During the Musher’s Banquet in Anchorage, Donlin Gold announced another threeyear commitment as a Principal Partner Sponsor for the Last Great Race. Donlin Gold not only helps finance the operation of the race, but also contributes toward awarding each finishing musher. “Donlin Gold is pleased to continue to support the race, as it brings the Alaska community together and commemorates the state’s natural resource and mushing background,” said Donlin Gold General Manager, Stan Foo. Iditarider opportunity for Make-A-Wish Foundation, allowing 10-year-old John Dexter of Wasilla to ride with musher Brian Wilmshurst in his dogsled. At the Finishers Banquet in Nome, Lance Mackey was awarded the Donlin Gold Sportsmanship Award. The award is chosen by fellow mushers and honors the musher who most demonstrates sportsmanship throughout the Iditarod. Additionally, Donlin Gold sponsored 2015 Kuskokwim 300 winner, Pete Kaiser of Kaiser Racing Kennel, in Bethel. Kaiser has a passion for mushing and a commitment to suicide prevention. This year Kaiser mushed in support of Drew’s Chanel Simon at the start of the Foundation, promoting the official Iditarod in Fairbanks. message “Suicide is Never the Answer” along his Iditarod journey. Both mining and mushing have been tied throughout Alaska’s history. In the early 1900s, sled dogs provided transportation for miners to get to the gold fields of “The Last Frontier.” At one point, the townsite of Iditarod, which is not too far from Donlin Gold’s proposed site, grew to become one of Alaska’s largest cities boasting some 10,000 gold mining prospectors in 1910. Stan Foo presents musher, Nathan Schroeder, his new Ski-Doo snowmachine at the Musher’s Banquet. Kurt Parkan presents Lance Mackey with the Donlin Gold Sportsmanship Award. Donlin Gold congratulates Kuskokwim area Iditarod mushers, Pete Kaiser, who placed 14th, and Richie Diehl, who placed 23rd, on the completion of the 2015 Iditarod Race. “We celebrate our shared values and commitment to the legacy of a trail rich in both history and resources,” said Iditarod CEO Stan Hooley. Not only does Donlin Gold contribute to the race itself, but also to other aspects of the Iditarod event. At the Iditarod Musher’s Banquet, Donlin Gold presented musher Nathan Schroeder with a Ski-Doo snowmachine through a random drawing of all mushers. During the ceremonial start in Anchorage, Donlin Gold provided an Pete Kaiser at the official start of this year’s Iditarod in Fairbanks. A smiling Richie Diehl after crossing the finish line in Nome. Iditarider John Dexter enjoys a ride in the sled of Brian Wilmshurst. Prst Standard US Postage PAID Permit No. 69 Anchorage, AK 4720 Business Park Blvd., Suite G-25 Anchorage, AK 99503 (888) 225-7590 www.DonlinGold.com IN THIS NEWSLETTER : DONLIN GOLD SUPPORTS IRON DOG AND IDITAROD Stan Foo congratulates Iditarod winner, Dallas Seavey, on the podium after just crossing the finish line. ENCOURAGING HOPE IN THE YK REGION Donlin Gold lives by the motto “every person going home safe and healthy every day,” yet one issue affecting the health and safety of people in the YK region all too often, is the tragedy of suicide. two organizations will present the play The Winter Bear Project, which was designed to encourage open discussion on the topic of suicide. The play tells the story of a young Native boy that rises above his past to become a hero, and offers a source of positivity and inspiration to youth in the YK region. The story is inspired by the life of Alaska Native leader, Sidney Huntington and is highly recommended to youth, ages 12 and up. Donlin Gold makes year-round efforts to promote, advocate and address suicide awareness. One of the many ways Donlin Gold reaches out is through the support and funding of Drew’s Foundation. Drew’s Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to ending the cycle of loss with the message “suicide is never the answer.” Efforts to promote this message include PSAs, visiting schools in the YK region, teaming up with local inspirations such as Iditarod musher, Pete Kaiser, and Iron Dog racers advocating suicide prevention, and other community outreach efforts. The play will be performed by professional actors who will travel the YK region performing in Hooper Bay, Chevak, Scammon Bay, Bethel, Emmonak, Alakanuk and Mountain Village. Additionally, with the support of Donlin Gold, Drew’s Foundation has recently partnered with Northstar Community Foundation, whose mission aligns with Drew’s Foundation as they work to “change the climate of fear and hopelessness that breeds suicide.” In April, the Donlin Gold appreciates the businesses and community members who come together to show support for this important cause. To find out more about Drew’s Foundation and The Winter Bear, please visit www.DrewsFoundation.org DONLIN GOLD IS COMMITTED TO CREATING A SAFE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE MINING PROJECT THAT PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAMILIES IN THE YUKON KUSKOKWIM REGION TO LIVE IN HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS COMMUNITIES NEWSLETTER MARCH/APRIL 2015 MAINTAINING AN INFORMED COMMUNITY During the permitting phase of the project, Donlin Gold is continuing its outreach efforts to inform stakeholders about the project. Donlin Gold has approximately 30 village project update meetings scheduled for 2015, with multiple visits having already taken place in Saint Mary’s, Akiachak, Hooper Bay, Chefornak, Kwethluk, Quinhagak, Akiak and Pilot Station, among others. When requested, Donlin Gold presents the meeting in Yup’ik to assist residents in better understanding the proposed project. When possible, the Donlin Gold team speaks to students in school on the importance of studying hard, setting goals and finishing school in order to prepare themselves for the work place. Additional project updates are given within the YK region and throughout the state to a variety of organizations. So far this year, Donlin Gold has presented updates to AVCP tribal gathering, YKEDC and AVCP “Partners in Progress” conference, the State legislature, chambers of commerce and rotary clubs. The project update meetings and presentations are designed to provide residents with the opportunity to learn about the project directly from Donlin Gold staff and give stakeholders the chance to be heard. TWENTY YEARS IN THE REGION 1995 - 2015 This year will mark the 20th year of the Donlin Gold project. In that time, Donlin Gold has executed an extensive environmental and cultural baseline study program. These efforts include studies of Kuskokwim River resources to protect subsistence and studies on Native heritage by archeologists with the aid of local residents. Not only have countless environmental and cultural studies taken place, but also Donlin Gold has reached out to people throughout two decades to hear their concerns and insight. This has helped design an environmentally responsible mining project in the YK region that would result in up to 3,000 jobs during construction, up to 1,200 jobs during operation and provide employees with work skills that can serve them in the future. Proposing a mine design that respects the cultures and the land of the YK people by meeting or exceeding environmental standards has remained a steadfast goal of Donlin Gold’s. One of the ways that Donlin Gold exemplified this goal was by proposing the 14-inch buried natural gas pipeline, which would minimize potential barge traffic associated with the mine on the Kuskokwim River. Donlin Gold has also developed a reclamation and closure plan that includes industry-best standards and practices. Permitting efforts continue to move forward, and the US Army Corps of Engineers plans to release the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) later this year. Following the release of the Draft EIS, the public will have another opportunity to comment on the document and the Corps of Engineers will hold additional meetings. Donlin Gold is pleased to have continuously seen progress for the past 20 years and looks forward to the upcoming opportunity of public review. An updated EIS schedule can be found on the US Army Corps of Engineers’ project website at www.DonlinGoldEIS.com. Stakeholders can also access additional information at www.Facebook.com/DonlinGold, or www.DonlinGold.com Face to Face Public input is a very important part of our planning process, and we would like to hear from you. with Stan Foo Keeping our stakeholders informed is one of our most important jobs and something we do throughout the year. We use many methods to keep people updated about the latest news with Donlin Gold—our bimonthly newsletter being just one of them. Each year around this time, our community outreach team hosts meetings throughout the region. The schedule is intensive, and as many of you know, the logistics for traveling to multiple communities is often challenging. This spring, we are holding project update meetings in 30 villages to provide the most recent information about the project, answer questions you may have, hear what you have to say and to learn about your concerns. SEND MAIL TO: Donlin Gold 4720 Business Park Blvd., Suite G-25 Anchorage, AK 99503 PHONE: (907) 273-0200 (888) 225-7590 toll free Find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/DonlinGold In addition to village meetings and newsletters, Donlin Gold staff participate in many events throughout the YK region and state of Alaska, such as the Iron Dog Safety Expo, YK regional festivals and fairs, conferences and other important events. During the summer, we look forward to getting out on the Kuskokwim to promote river safety and visit fish camps, as we have in years past. All of these offer opportunities for stakeholders to ask questions and share their thoughts and concerns about the project, and for us to provide the most current information. For more project information visit us online at www.DonlinGold.com To voice concerns or complaints about the project contact us at [email protected] or (855) 279-0382 Caliamtenek qanemyuugautengqerquvet, Wall’ qanrutkarkangqerquvet quyakenrilkevnek, wani igaqikut [email protected] wall’ qayagaurluta wani; (855) 279-0382. Unakumarikumteggu nallunritevkarciqamteggen unakniluku. Kiuciqamteggenllu erenret 30-t naavailgata qanrutkellren arcaqalriarukan. Timeli ne Our website is another way that we keep people informed and communicate current information; on it, you can view short project overview videos and the Donlin Gold project description brochure and read about other highlights of our plan for the Donlin Gold mine. The video and brochure are both available in English and Yup’ik. Our website also has information to help people understand the jobs that will be available and how to plan for them with our booklet, “Planning for Your Future: Jobs with Donlin Gold.” I encourage everyone who is interested to learn more about Donlin Gold to join us at our upcoming project update meetings. The schedule for those can be found on our website at www.DonlinGold.com/community and our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/DonlinGold. If we are not coming to your village and you have questions or would like to know more about Donlin Gold, please visit our website or Facebook page, send us an email at [email protected], or call or stop by any of our offices located in Bethel, Aniak or Anchorage. We look forward to seeing and hearing from you. Stan Foo General Manager Donlin Gold WHERE WE ARE NOW 16 YEARS 4+ 3-4 27+ YEARS Proposed project is defined by Donlin Gold Natural Gas Pipeline Studies conducted Feasibility Studies conducted PUBLIC INPUT FINAL EIS Up to 3,000 jobs OPERATION DRAFT EIS CONSTRUCTION EXPLORATION & ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES SCOPING (PUBLIC INPUT) Up to 1,200 jobs THE PERMITTING PROCESS (4+ YEARS) REGIONAL AND TRIBAL CONSULTATION WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATORY AGENCIES National Environmental Policy Act requires an Environmental Impact Statement. Formal public comment opportunities. If developed, the mine is estimated to have a 27+ year life, producing approximately 1.1 million ounces of gold annually. DONLIN GOLD SUPPORTS THE 2015 IRON DOG On February 21, engines surged as the ceremonial start of the Annual Iron Dog race went underway in the city of Anchorage for the first time. The official start of the Iron Dog race occurred the following day at Big Lake where 37 Pro Class teams began the 2,031-mile-trek north to Nome, then back south to the finish line in Fairbanks. Donlin Gold is a Premier Sponsor of the Iron Dog. To offer support to communities in the YK region, Donlin Gold also sponsors Team 12, consisting of Robert and Steffen Strick Jr. of McGrath, and Team 3, with Steven Boney of Bethel and race partner Doug Dixon of Anchorage. Both teams advocated for suicide prevention on the journey to the finish line. To combat the unfamiliar and potentially dangerous weather this year’s race posed, racers were required to prepare themselves for extreme conditions and ensure their snowmachines were safe for the voyage. As safety is a top priority, Donlin Gold hosted the annual Iron Dog Donlin Gold Safety Expo at Anchorage’s new Cabela’s where Donlin Gold and Pro Class racers promoted safety among Alaska outdoor enthusiasts. Expo attendees had the opportunity to view demonstrations, participate in seminars and meet the Steven Boney and his wife celebrate together after he crosses the Iron Dog finish line. The community warmly greets Team 3, after they cross Iron Dog finish line. Iron Dog Pro Class racers, who were already approved for pre-race inspection on their safety and survival gear. Donlin Gold recognizes the importance of the Iron Dog as it brings Alaska communities together and bolsters safety, dedication and determination. Furthermore, the event offers an opportunity to reach out and foster relationships Robert Strick celebrates with his children after he crosses the Iron Dog finish line. Vernon Chimegalrea presents Team 20 with the Gold Rush Award for being the first team to reach Nome. IRON DOG TEAMS SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF SUICIDE PREVENTION with communities along the race route and people attending Iron Dog events, including an exchange between rural and urban students. Donlin Gold congratulates all Pro Class racers with special congratulations to the winners of this year’s 2015 Iron Dog Race, Scott Faeo and Eric Quam. The 2015 Iron Dog winners, Faeo and Quam, raise their trophies high in celebration. During this year’s 2015 Iron Dog Race, Donlin Gold sponsored Team 3 and 12, as both advocate a very important cause: suicide prevention. Team 3 consists of Steven Boney, lifelong Bethel resident and snowmachine mechanic, and Doug Dixon, lifelong Alaskan and operator of Fine Line Interiors. Both men are husband and father to loving families, and veterans of the Iron Dog Race. With support from Donlin Gold, Drew’s Foundation served as a proud sponsor for the men in this year’s Iron Dog Race to help spread the message “suicide is never the answer.” For immediate support, please call: Statewide Suicide Prevention Hotline Steffen Strick Jr. and Robert Strick of Team 877-266-4357 12, often referred to as “Team Strick”, are or born and raised Alaskans and hail from the Nationwide Suicide Prevention Hotline village of McGrath. Steffen and Robert are also veterans of the race, loving fathers and 800-273-8255 outdoor sports enthusiasts. These brothers are also committed to promoting the message of suicide prevention. The team has partnered with the Department of Health and Social Services Statewide Suicide Prevention Council in efforts to advocate the message “life is a team effort.” Team 12 carried this message on their Iron Dog journey, distributing posters and cards to Alaska villages and towns. While both teams encountered trials and extreme adversity, both proved resilient, as they were able to complete the race, with Team 12 placing 9th and Team 3 placing 11th. Their determination and perseverance sets an example for those who are struggling. Attendees greet Team Strick at the 2015 Donlin Gold Iron Dog Expo at Cabela’s. Donlin Gold congratulates the teams on completing the challenging Iron Dog race and applauds their efforts to put an end to a tragedy that unfortunately has affected too many lives in the YK region. Donlin Gold encourages anyone struggling with thoughts of suicide to reach out. Those seeking a source of support can visit www.DrewsFoundation.org or www.dhss.alaska.gov/suicideprevention for more information and assistance.
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