Forum Energy Metals and Ya'thi Nene Lands and Resources Announce Exploration Agreement in the Athabasca Region

Rhea-AI Summary

Forum Energy Metals (FDCFF) has signed an Exploration Agreement with Ya'thi Néné Land and Resource Office for the Northwest Athabasca Project in Saskatchewan's northern Athabasca Basin. The agreement involves collaboration with Athabasca Denesuliné First Nations of Hatchet Lake, Black Lake, and Fond du Lac, along with several northern settlements. The partnership focuses on responsible mineral exploration while respecting Indigenous rights and environmental protection. Key components include established processes for communication, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. The agreement provides training, employment, and contracting opportunities for Athabasca residents, plus financial support for local community initiatives. This collaboration represents a significant step toward integrating Indigenous values with industry operations in the Athabasca region.

Positive

• Agreement establishes clear framework for Indigenous collaboration and community engagement
• Provides training, employment, and contracting opportunities for local residents
• Includes financial contributions to support local community initiatives
• Strategic access to exploration rights in the resource-rich Athabasca Basin

Negative

• None.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan--(Newsfile Corp. - June 18, 2025) - Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) (the "Company" or "Forum") and the Ya'thi Néné Land and Resource Office ("YNLR"), owned by the Athabasca Denesułiné First Nations of Hatchet Lake, Black Lake, and Fond du Lac, as well as the Northern Hamlet of Stony Rapids and the Northern Settlements of Uranium City, Wollaston Lake, and Camsell Portage, are pleased to announce the signing of an Exploration Agreement (the "Agreement") for the Northwest Athabasca Project (the "Project") located in the northern Athabasca Basin region of Saskatchewan, Canada. This Agreement reflects a shared commitment to advancing mineral exploration in Nuhenéné – the traditional territory of the Athabasca First Nations within Treaty 8 and Treaty 10 – while respecting Indigenous rights, protecting the environment, and supporting the social and economic well-being of local communities.

"Our communities have a deep connection to Nuhenéné, and this agreement reflects a shared understanding of our role in its care. It's encouraging to work with a partner like Forum that recognizes our rights and honours the role of Indigenous values in shaping how exploration happens," said Mary Denechezhe, Board Chair of Ya'thi Néné Lands and Resources.

Rebecca Hunter, CEO of Forum Energy Metals stated, "We are proud to begin this partnership with the First Nations, communities, and people of the Athabasca region. Our goal is to continue to explore in a respectful and sustainable manner, and continue to build and maintain our long-term relationships that foster collaboration, mutual growth, and shared opportunities for many years to come."

This partnership sets out clear processes for ongoing communication, environmental stewardship, and community involvement throughout the exploration process. It also includes commitments to training, employment, and contracting opportunities for Athabasca residents, along with financial contributions to support locally identified community priorities.

More than a formal agreement, this collaboration reflects a shift toward respectful and practical partnerships between Indigenous communities and industry in the Athabasca region. Forum and YNLR are working together to ensure exploration activities in Nuhenéné are informed by Indigenous values, guided by environmental responsibility, and designed to generate tangible benefits for local communities.

About YNLR and the Athabasca First Nations and Municipalities

YNLR is a non-profit organization owned by the Athabasca Denesułiné First Nations of Hatchet Lake First Nation, Black Lake First Nation, and Fond du Lac First Nation and the Athabasca Municipalities of Stony Rapids, Wollaston Lake, Uranium City, and Camsell Portage.

YNLR was established in June 2016 with the mandate to promote and enhance the environmental, social, economic, and cultural well-being of current and future Athabasca residents.

About Forum Energy Metals

Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) is focused on the discovery of high-grade unconformity-related uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan and the Thelon Basin, Nunavut. For further information: https://www.forumenergymetals.com.

For further information, please contact:

Kathy Hay
Manager of Corporate Affairs
Ya'thi Néné Lands and Resources
katherine.hay@yathinene.com
306-270-4083

Rebecca Hunter
President & CEO
Forum Energy Metals
hunter@forumenergymetals.com
604-630-1585

Garrett Schmidt
Executive Director
Ya'thi Néné Lands and Resources
garrett.schmidt@yathinene.com
306-370-3358

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255856

FAQ

What is the significance of Forum Energy Metals' exploration agreement with Ya'thi Néné?

The agreement establishes a framework for responsible mineral exploration in the Athabasca Basin while respecting Indigenous rights, providing community benefits, and ensuring environmental protection.

Which communities are involved in Forum Energy Metals' (FDCFF) exploration agreement?

The agreement involves the Athabasca Denesuliné First Nations of Hatchet Lake, Black Lake, Fond du Lac, and the settlements of Stony Rapids, Uranium City, Wollaston Lake, and Camsell Portage.

What benefits does the exploration agreement provide to local communities?

The agreement includes training, employment, and contracting opportunities for Athabasca residents, financial contributions for community priorities, and ensures Indigenous involvement in exploration activities.

Where is Forum Energy Metals' Northwest Athabasca Project located?

The Northwest Athabasca Project is located in the northern Athabasca Basin region of Saskatchewan, Canada, within the traditional territory of the Athabasca First Nations.