Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7, OTC:LUVSF) has formed a joint committee with the Tribal Council representing the Abenaki Council of Odanak and the Abenaki Council of Wôlinak (W8banaki) to facilitate the collaborative development of a proposed lithium refinery in Bécancour, Québec, Canada.
The committee will function through a structured framework designed to support mutually beneficial relations and ensure that both parties are fully informed and engaged in the process.
Two representatives from each party will serve as the primary forum for communication, manage project schedules, ensure culturally safe collaboration and oversee compliance.
Extensive battery metal experience
“It has been a pleasure to get to know the W8banaki representatives over the past few months,” Lithium Universe chair Iggy Tan said.
“The W8banaki representatives are a very practical group who have a deep understanding of the battery supply chain having extensive experience managing similar committees and impact assessment studies for our battery-focused neighbours in the Bécancour Industrial Park.
“The W8banakiak are a key stakeholder for our Bécancour Lithium Refinery and we look forward to learning more about the Nation in the coming years while building this critical project alongside the community.”
The W8banakiak occupied vast forested areas in what is now southern Québec, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, as well as parts of Massachusetts and New Brunswick, before the arrival of Europeans.
The W8banaki people are the traditional landowners of the Bécancour Waterfront Industrial Park (BWIP) and, therefore, also LU7’s intended site for the proposed Bécancour Lithium Refinery.