Members of the IAMGOLD executive and Côté Gold teams alongside our Indigenous partners from Mattagami and Flying Post First Nations and representatives from Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd. recently gathered at the Côté Gold mine site for a water ceremony marking the creation and official naming of Oshki Lake. This new water body was built to offset fish habitat lost during the construction of the Côté Gold mine. Also, in attendance at the ceremony were representatives from Ontario’s Ministry of Mines and Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. 

Why was the lake created?

The creation of Oshki Lake was a crucial step in our commitment to environmental responsibility. The ore deposit for the Côté Gold mine was partially located beneath an existing lake. To proceed with the mine's construction, we rerouted the Mollie River and other nearby waterways to prevent potential flooding of the open pit. This rerouting project included the creation of Oshki Lake to compensate for the loss of fish habitat. 

What process did we follow? 

The rerouting project was an integral part of our environmental permitting process, conducted in close consultation with our Indigenous partners and other stakeholders. Adhering to our Zero Harm® vision, we incorporated natural channel design principles into the strategy to create self-sustaining systems that restore ecological functions. This approach reflects our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in health, safety, and sustainability.

How was the lake named? 

Initially referred to as “New Lake” in all our planning documents, the naming of Oshki Lake was a collaborative effort with our neighbouring communities. Recognizing the importance of water as a shared resource, we engaged in extensive consultation with our partners to select the name. In 2021, we applied to the Ontario Geographic Names Board to officially name this new water body – Oshki Lake, which means “new” or “young” in Ojibwe. In August 2023, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry confirmed acceptance of the name. Oshki Lake was born and is now an officially recognized water body in the province! The renaming of Oshki Lake and holding the water ceremony at an active mine site demonstrates IAMGOLD's commitment to Indigenous reconciliation and environmental stewardship.

The ceremony was conducted by an Elder from Mattagami First Nation and incorporated Indigenous traditions such as smudging and prayers, songs, sacred fire, and a release of water from Mattagami Lake to Oshki Lake. In addition, Leanne Reardon, the Flying Post First Nation member who proposed the name 'Oshki Lake’, received an art piece as a gift from the hands of Bryan Wilson, Côté Gold’s General Manager. 

What our leaders said 

“The water ceremony was a highly meaningful event for all involved – one that underlines our commitment to offsetting the impact of our mining activities on the environment and to working cooperatively with our host communities and First Nations partners,” said Renaud Adams, President and CEO, IAMGOLD. 

“I was deeply moved by the water ceremony at the mine site, especially as it was conducted by a respected elder. This event is a powerful testament to the collaboration between our communities and IAMGOLD,” said Chief Murray Ray, Flying Post First Nation.  

“Water is important to us. Being involved in renaming of the lake with an Ojibwe word meant so much for me and others in the community. We were honoured to be part of this water ceremony and proud that an Elder from Mattagami First Nation conducted the ceremony. Thanks to IAMGOLD for jointly hosting the ceremony with us,” said Chief Jennifer Constant, Mattagami First Nation.