Visionary Copper and Osawi Appoint Indigenous Elder for Guidance

Visionary Copper and Gold Mines (TSXV: VCG; US-OTCQX: CLLXF) and Osawi Gold have announced a groundbreaking appointment in the world of mineral exploration. They have welcomed Margaret Head-Steppan as their first elder, a role that is unique within a Canadian exploration company. This historic decision reflects a commitment to integrating Indigenous perspectives into corporate practices, particularly in the context of environmental stewardship and community engagement.

In a statement about this significant appointment, Max Porterfield, president and CEO of both Visionary and Osawi, expressed profound respect for Elder Margaret. He noted her deep-rooted connection to the Flin Flon region and her lifelong commitment to community and environmental stewardship. “We are deeply honoured to welcome Elder Margaret to our team,” Porterfield said. “Her unique perspective will guide our exploration efforts in a way that respects both the land and the people who have called it home for generations.”

Elder Margaret Head-Steppan, a respected community leader, articulated her enthusiasm for this new role. “It is a privilege to join Visionary and Osawi as their elder, a role that allows me to honour my heritage and the legacy of my great-grandfather,” she remarked. “I look forward to sharing traditional knowledge to ensure our exploration respects the Earth and supports the well-being of future generations.” Her vision emphasizes the creation of a sustainable resource development model that uplifts Indigenous communities while preserving their connection to the land.

Role and Responsibilities of the Elder

The responsibilities of Elder Margaret will include providing guidance based on her traditional knowledge and overseeing the blessing of lands where exploration activities are set to occur. This practice, which she has been quietly performing for years, is designed to ensure that exploration aligns with principles of environmental sustainability. The company highlighted that her role is crucial in fostering respectful collaboration with Indigenous communities in areas where Visionary and Osawi operate.

In her capacity as elder, Margaret Head-Steppan will also serve as an educator, advising on First Nations history and traditions. This engagement is expected to strengthen community ties, ensuring that exploration initiatives consider the well-being of the next seven generations. The commitment to meaningful partnerships with First Nations communities is a key aspect of the companies’ operational philosophy.

A Legacy of Leadership and Cultural Insight

Elder Margaret is the great-granddaughter of David Collins, a Métis prospector who discovered the Flin Flon mine, which was pivotal in the founding of Flin Flon, Manitoba, and Creighton, Saskatchewan. Her extensive background in community leadership includes serving as an executive member on the Council of Elders at the University College of the North. She also holds the position of in-house Elder at both the Flin Flon Friendship Centre and the Flin Flon School Division.

Her contributions to the community extend beyond advisory roles; she has been instrumental in significant ceremonies, such as introducing the sacred eagle feather into the justice system in Flin Flon and conducting a smudging ceremony to mark the restart of Hudbay Minerals’ New Britannia mill in Snow Lake, Manitoba. Through these actions, she has underscored the importance of integrating traditional practices into contemporary settings.

The appointment of Elder Margaret Head-Steppan by Visionary Copper and Osawi signifies a pivotal moment in the realm of mineral exploration. It sets a precedent for incorporating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, paving the way for responsible resource development that prioritizes both community well-being and environmental integrity.