Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Canada Nickel Forge Historic Investment Partnership

In a move that signals both confidence and partnership, Canada Nickel Company Inc. (TSXV: CNC, OTCQX: CNIKF) has officially closed a $14.6 million (CAD $20 million) Convertible Note with the Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN), marking a historic moment for Indigenous participation in Canada’s critical minerals sector. This investment, announced last December and now finalized, is widely recognized as the largest direct equity investment by a First Nation in a Canadian critical minerals company to date.

The collaboration is more than a financial transaction. It’s a step forward in building long-term relationships between resource companies and Indigenous communities, one that prioritizes shared decision-making and sustainable development. For TTN, which is already deeply involved as a development partner in both the Crawford Nickel Sulphide Project and its supporting infrastructure, the investment is a natural progression of a partnership built on trust and mutual benefit.

Chief Bruce Archibald of Taykwa Tagamou Nation emphasized the significance of the deal. “This transaction is a major step forward for both TTN and Canada Nickel,” he said. “It shows what can happen when First Nations are included as equity partners with real decision-making authority. We’re proud to make this investment for our community, supporting long-term economic benefits while advancing sustainable development on our traditional lands.”

Deputy Chief Derek Archibald added, “TTN has worked hard over the years to strengthen our economic position through investments in infrastructure, project development, and governance. This agreement reflects that work and the trust we’ve built with Canada Nickel. From the beginning, the company has shown a genuine commitment to transparency, collaboration, and shared benefit. We’re proud to continue this journey together, grounded in respect and true partnership.”

Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel, echoed the sentiment. “We are honoured to have Taykwa Tagamou Nation as long-term partners in the development of Crawford and the broader Timmins Nickel District. TTN has been a pivotal partner from the very beginning, supporting critical infrastructure, shaping project development, and now playing a key role as we unlock the overall potential of the district. This investment reflects TTN’s vision, leadership, and commitment to co-developing projects that deliver generational benefits, for their Nation, for the North, and for Canada’s clean energy economy.”

The Convertible Note is structured as a five-year secured investment, with an annual coupon set at 6.15%, paid quarterly, reflecting TTN’s financing costs. This adjustment from the originally proposed 4.75% underscores the collaborative spirit of the agreement. TTN has the right to convert the note into 16.67 million common shares at a price of $1.20 per share, representing a 7.9% equity stake in the company, based on Canada Nickel’s current issued and outstanding share capital of 193,590,725 common shares. As long as TTN maintains the Convertible Note or, after conversion, holds at least 7.9% of the company’s shares, it will also secure a seat on the board of directors.

This investment is not just about capital. It’s about positioning TTN as a key player in Canada Nickel’s future. The Crawford Nickel Sulphide Project, which is 100% owned by Canada Nickel, is positioned to become a cornerstone of the emerging Timmins Nickel District. The project is expected to be a significant source of the nickel required to meet the growing demands of the electric vehicle and stainless-steel markets. Canada Nickel is also pursuing innovative processes aimed at producing net zero carbon nickel, cobalt, and iron products, with trademark applications for NetZero Nickel™, NetZero Cobalt™, and NetZero Iron™ pending in multiple jurisdictions.

For investors, Canada Nickel offers exposure to nickel resources in a jurisdiction with low political risk, and now with an added layer of Indigenous partnership that could set a new standard for responsible resource development. The deal with TTN is a clear signal that the company is serious about building relationships that go beyond the typical corporate-community dynamic, aiming instead for true co-development and shared prosperity.

In an industry where collaboration with Indigenous communities is increasingly seen as essential, Canada Nickel and TTN are showing what’s possible when both sides are willing to invest not just capital but also trust and shared vision. 

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