Geneva, Swizterland, Feb. 23, 2012 – Chief Marilyn Baptiste of the Xeni Gwet’in First Nations Government is in Geneva, Switzerland this week to report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) 80th Session. The Tsilhqot’in Nation submitted a formal report to the CERD to highlight ongoing violations of Indigenous rights that the Tsilhqot’in experience in Canada and Chief Baptiste is in Geneva to present this to the Committee.

“The Tsilhqot’in are prepared to go to the international level to protect our Nation’s rights and title,” said Chief Joe Alphonse, Chair of the Tsilhqot’in National Government. “In the case of the rebid Prosperity Mine proposal, we feel that we’ve nearly exhausted every possible avenue to resolve this at the local level, though we will continue to take our fight to the new federal Panel review.”

Chief Baptiste expressed, “Through questions asked by committee members, issues and concerns reported by NGO’s and Aboriginal representation are being brought to international attention. Questions included asking Canada to present their justification about how they gained title to the land, what mechanisms exist in Canada to ensure fair and equal court processes when communities turn to court to protect their Aboriginal Rights and Title, and if Canada thinks that Aboriginal Title can co-exist under the current political structure.”

The Tsilhqot’in report focuses on the fight to protect Teztan Biny and its environs from the proposed resubmitted Prosperity Mine proposal, and the underlying legal regime which sees First Nations rights and title ignored and bad mining projects forced upon communities against their will.”

“This is not simply a criticism of British Columbia’s outdated laws before the United Nations. Instead, we are educating the U.N. about who we are as Tsilhqot’in, and about the values that we must protect if our culture is to thrive” said Chief Alphonse. “These values include intact lands and waters that will sustain our communities, wildlife and fish, and second, economic development that respects our priorities.”

It has been extremely frustrating to the Tsilhqot’in communities to enter a new Panel review for a version of this mine already deemed worse by the previous Panel.

Chief Baptiste expressed, “The Tsilhqot’in will continue to call on both the BC and federal governments to uphold their fiduciary duties to protect our rights and title, which means protecting Teztan Biny and Nabas from this dangerous proposal. We are also calling on the reform of BC’s outdated mining laws to be compliant with the standards found in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and which result in bad projects being forced upon us without our consent.”

A supporting submission on the issue of mining and FN rights in BC was also submitted by BC’s First Nations Women Advocating Responsible Mining (FNWARM), of which Chief Baptiste is a founding member.

Tsilhqot’in Report: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cerd/docs/ngos/Tsilhqotin_Canada80.pdf

Attached: Ten Facts that show why resubmitted Prosperity Mine proposal cannot be approved

Ten facts that show why resubmitted Prosperity Mine proposal cannot be approved

1. The CEAA review panel process was very different from the BC EAO rubber-stamp decision. Its report found immitigable, devastating impacts to the local fish stocks and endangered grizzly populations, and to the existing and future rights of the Tsilhqot’in and its youth. Then Environment Minister Jim Prentice described the report’s findings as “scathing” and “probably the most condemning I have ever read.”

2. The company knows its new option is worse than its first plan. TML’s V.P. Corporate Affairs, Brian Battison, was clear in his Mar. 22, 2010, opening presentation to the CEAA hearings, when he stated: “Developing Prosperity means draining Fish Lake. We wish it were otherwise. We searched hard for a different way. A way to retain the lake and have the mine. But there is no viable alternative. The lake and the deposit sit side by side. It is not possible to have one without the loss of the other.”

3. The point was emphasised by TML’s VP of engineering, Scott Jones, who stated: “What happens to the water quality in Fish Lake, if you try and preserve that body of water with the tailings facility right up against it, is that over time the water quality in Fish Lake will become equivalent to the water quality in the pore water of the tailings facility, particularly when it’s close.”

4. This proposal does not address the issues that led to the rejection of the first bid last year. Fish Lake will be affected by the toxic waste and eventually die, and it will be surrounded by a massive open pit mine and related infrastructure for decades. The Tsilhqot’in people will not have access to their spiritual place, and the area will never be returned to the current pristine state.

It is not even new. It is “Mine Development Plan 2.” TML states on page 20 of its project submission: “Option 2 is the basis for the New Prosperity design …The concepts that lead to the configuration of MDP Option 2 have been utilized to develop the project description currently being proposed.”

5. This option was looked at and rejected last year by the company, Environment Canada and the CEAA review panel. For example, page 65 of the review report states: “The Panel agrees with the observations made by Taseko and Environment Canada that Mine Development Plans 1 and 2 would result in greater long-term environmental risk than the preferred alternative.”

6. The new $300 million in proposed spending is to cover the costs of relocating mine waste a little further away. There is nothing in the ‘new’ plan to mitigate all the environmental impacts identified in the previous assessment. TML states in its economic statement: “The new development design, predicated on higher long term prices for both copper and gold, would result in a direct increase in capital costs of $200 million to purchase additional mining equipment to relocate the tailings dam and to move the mine waste around Fish Lake to new locations. This redesign also adds $100 million in direct extra operating costs over the 20-year mine life to accomplish that task.” In fact, this new spending is actually $37 million less than the company said last year it would have to spend just to go with the option that it and the review panel agreed would be worse for the environment.

7. The federal government is required under the Constitution to protect First Nations, which have been found to be under serious threat in this case, and is internationally committed to do so under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. These duties are every bit as clear regarding this resubmitted proposal.

8. Approving this mine would show the Environmental Assessment process is meaningless, and would demonstrate that governments are ignoring their obligations – as the Assembly of First Nations national chiefs-in-assembly made this crystal clear this summer in their resolution of support for the Tsilhqot’in.

9. The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans has opposed this project since it was first raised in 1995. It soundly rejected it again last year. It has no reason to support it now. Nor does Environment Canada, which, as the CEAA report noted last year, also found option 2 to be worse than the original bid.

10. There are many other more worthy projects to be pursued – the vast majority of which, if not all will require working with aboriginal communities. Natural Resources Canada estimates there is $350 billion-$500 billion worth of such potential projects in Canada. Governments, industry and investors do not need to go backwards by pushing this confrontational proposal and rebuffing efforts by First Nations to find a way to create a better mining system that would benefit everyone in the long run.

For further information:
Chief Joe Alphonse (250-305-8282); As of Feb 24th: Chief Marilyn Baptiste (250-267-1401)

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Toronto—New Brunswick is the world’s most attractive jurisdiction for mineral exploration and development in the view of the international mining industry, according to the Survey of Mining Companies: 2011/2012, released today by the Fraser Institute, Canada’s leading public policy think-tank.

“New Brunswick shot to the top of the rankings as miners lauded the province for its fair, transparent, and efficient legal system and consistency in the enforcement and interpretation of existing environmental regulations,” said Fred McMahon, Fraser Institute vice-president of international policy research and coordinator of the survey.

“Combine that with a competitive taxation regime and minimal uncertainty around disputed land claims and New Brunswick has emerged as a superstar in the view of the global mining community.”

New Brunswick vaulted to first place from 23rd last year, unseating Alberta at the top of the global rankings as that province fell to third overall. Quebec, which enjoyed a three-year reign at No. 1 from 2007 to 2010, continued to lose support among mining executives as it fell to fifth place from fourth in 2011.

“Quebec’s reputation floundered over the past two years due to uncertainty around royalty increases and proposed changes to the provincial mining act. Miners prefer to do business in New Brunswick and Alberta, where mining policy is clear and the government resource-friendly,” McMahon said.

This year, Saskatchewan fell to sixth place from third, while Manitoba dropped out of the top 10 altogether, plummeting to 20th position after ranking ninth last year.

“Respondents blasted Manitoba for its mishandling of First Nations consultations, which they say creates excessive delays in processing permits and licenses. That’s damaged the province’s reputation and is reflected in the rankings,” McMahon said.

The Fraser Institute’s Survey of Mining Companies: 2011/2012 is based on the opinions of mining executives representing 802 mineral exploration and development companies on the investment climate of 93 jurisdictions around the world (new additions this year include Missouri, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Guyana, Laos, Mauritania, Morocco, Poland, Suriname, and eight provinces of Argentina). The companies participating in the survey reported exploration spending of $6.3 billion US in 2011 and $4.5 billion US in 2010.

Canadian jurisdictions claimed five of the top 10 spots this year. Joining New Brunswick, Alberta, Quebec, and Saskatchewan in the 10 is the Yukon territory, which jumped to 10th from 15th last year, earning it the distinction of being the first of Canada’s territories ever to achieve a top-10 ranking in the survey.

The remaining provinces and territories fared well overall, with Ontario placing 13th, Nova Scotia 15th, Newfoundland and Labrador 16th, Manitoba 20th, British Columbia 31st, Nunavut 36th, and the Northwest Territories 48th.

Worldwide, the top 10 jurisdictions are New Brunswick, Finland, Alberta, Wyoming, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Sweden, Nevada, Ireland, and the Yukon. Seven of the same jurisdictions ranked among the top 10 last year; newcomers include New Brunswick, Ireland (which jumped to ninth from 16th), and the Yukon, replacing Manitoba. Utah (fell to 21st from sixth), and Chile (dropped to 18th from eighth).

“Chile had been the only jurisdiction outside of North America to consistently rank among the top 10 since the inception of the survey. It has been replaced by Sweden and Finland, which have now been in the top 10 for the past three years,” McMahon.

“The presence of these Nordic countries among the world’s most preferred mining jurisdictions shows that environmental stewardship and natural resource development can go hand in hand.”

The bottom 10 scores went to Vietnam, Indonesia, Ecuador, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, India, Venezuela, Bolivia, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Madagascar, and Zimbabwe, which were among the worst-ranked jurisdictions in the 2010/2011 survey, managed to climb out of the bottom 10 this year.

The report also notes that miners appear relatively pessimistic about future commodity prices, reporting that they expect level or reduced prices for silver, copper, diamonds, coal, zinc, nickel, potash, and platinum. The only exception was gold, where a vast majority of respondents expected increased prices.

Reduced optimism is also reflected in miners’ investment intentions. This year, 68 per cent of respondents said they expected to increase their exploration budgets in 2012, compared to 82 per cent who planned to hike their exploration budgets in 2011.

“The key to establishing a positive investment climate is for governments to have a clear, sensible vision for mining policy and to stick to it,” McMahon said.

“By upholding the rule of law, respecting negotiated contracts and property rights, and eliminating risk with regard to tax increases and red tape, nations can attract mining investment and reap the economic and social benefits of new jobs and increased prosperity.”

Media Contacts: Fred McMahon

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“We reject the current Environmental Code that the Province of Saskatchewan is trying to implement. This current government is unilaterally implementing these regulations without free, prior and informed consent. Brad Wall’s Government needs to recognize our constitutionally protected Inherent, Treaty and International Rights of the Onion Lake Cree Nation,” stated Chief Wallace Fox of Onion Lake Cree Nation.

These comments were also echoed by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) to the Ministry of Environment almost a year and half ago. Under the Code, the province will not monitor on site, rather industry will report to the province and any environmental mishaps will be dealt with after they have already occurred. This will directly impact First Nations traditional territories, rights and interests in lands and resources. FSIN has defined a process for consultation that the provincial government is ignoring.

“The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment is wishing to implement a new structure that does not address the taking up of lands and compensation to First Nations for resources being extracted from our lands. This government must respect and begin a relationship that will look at reconciliation and resource revenue sharing in this country,” stated Chief Fox.

“First Nations have had enough, our way of life as Indigenous First Peoples of these lands is being adversely impacted and this Code and Model will only provide assurances to industry and not address cumulative effects. Holding three information sessions is not sufficient as a means to consult with First Nations. We have called upon the province to consult meaningfully as the Honour of the Crown is at stake,” concluded Chief Fox.

The Onion Lake Cree Nation is an independent Nation located in Treaty No. 6 territory and is situated 50 kilometers north of Lloydminster. The Cree Nation has over 5000 members and is governed by their own Cree Government Structure. The resource rich Nation is the largest oil producing First Nation within Canada.

-30-

Nicole Robertson, Communications Advisor
Muskwa Productions & Consulting
(403) 616-4999
nicole.robertson[at]telus.net

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It follows then that if you want to work effectively with Aboriginal Peoples and specifically with a First Nation then one of the best ways to do it is to show respect to the Nation is to follow traditional territory protocol. This can be established at the beginning of any meeting by acknowledging the host community, its people, and its territory.

There are two protocol greetings that can be used at the beginning of any meeting. In order to determine which is appropriate will require some initial research. You will want to determine the location of the meeting, and more specifically, the type of lands you are meeting on (i.e. is your meeting taking place on treaty territory or traditional territory?)

Traditional Territory is as it sounds. Lands that have been been used for all kinds of traditional purposes and usually but not always have an accompanying map to show you the boundaries.  The protocol for acknowledging a Nation on treaty territory is slightly different and discussed in a separate post.

Once you have tackled the difficult task of determining that you are meeting on traditional territory you’re ready to put together your traditional territory acknowledgement and follow traditional territory protocol.

Protocol on First Nation’s Traditional Territory

I would like to thank the _________ for agreeing to meet with us today and for welcoming us to your traditional territory. 

Effective Practice Tips:

Keep in mind that these are not the only ways to acknowledge your hosts, and you may learn of alternative greetings more appropriate to your hosts.

With this in mind:

1.  Be sure to ask the person with whom you are setting up the meeting to help you with proper greeting and meeting traditional territory protocol before you arrive.

2.  Keep in mind that your spirit and sincerity can matter more than your particular words.

I hope you enjoyed this article on protocol on First Nation’s Traditional Territory.  Be sure to spend time preparing your greeting as it will pay big dividends in the relationship building process.

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VANCOUVER, Feb. 13, 2012

VANCOUVER, Feb. 13, 2012 /CNW/ – Encanto Potash Corp. (“Encanto” or the “Company”) (TSXV: EPO) (OTCQX: ENCTF)  announces that TSX Venture Exchange approval has been received and 400,000 common shares and 400,000 common share purchase warrants have been issued to Muskowekwan Resources Limited (“MRL”), as general partner of the Muskowekwan Limited Partnership and the Muskowekwan First Nation (“MFN”) for Encanto’s opportunity to add significant new lands to the current Joint Venture Agreement with MRL and MFN.   The common share purchase warrants will be exercisable at a price of $0.26 per share until February 1, 2014.  In addition, further consideration for the opportunity to add these lands to the current Joint Venture Agreement, Encanto has paid MFN $100,000.

As previously mentioned these new additional lands will be part of the upcoming sub-surface land designation vote on February 25, 2012.  The securities issued in regards to this transaction will be subject to a hold period expiring on June 2, 2012.

About Encanto:
Encanto Potash Corp. is a TSX Venture Exchange and OTCQX listed Canadian resource company engaged in the exploration and development of potash properties in the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada, the largest producing region for potash in the world.  Encanto’s flagship Muskowekwan First Nation property has a recent NI 43-101 resource estimate containing 79.1 million tonnes of KCI grading 29.4% in the Indicated resources category along with 60.5 million tonnes grading 29.7% in the Inferred resource category.  These resources, based on the solution mining method, may be increased substantially with the addition of the Treaty Land Entitlement acreage.  A Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), based solely on the Indicated Resource estimate, was released in August of 2011 and a further release of an expanded NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate is scheduled in 2012.

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed by Ross Moulton, VP of Exploration for Encanto, a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101.

For additional information about Encanto Potash Corp., please visit the Company’s website at www.encantopotash.com or review the Company’s documents filed on www.sedar.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

“James Walchuck”

Per: _________________
James Walchuck
President and CEO

NEITHER 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.

THE FOREGOING INFORMATION MAY CONTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION RELATING TO THE FUTURE PERFORMANCE OF THE COMPANY. FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO A NUMBER OF KNOWN AND UNKNOWN RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES AND OTHER FACTORS THAT MAY CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE ANTICIPATED IN OUR FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. SUCH RISKS AND OTHER FACTORS INCLUDE, AMONG OTHERS, THE ACTUAL RESULTS OF EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES, CHANGES IN WORLD COMMODITY MARKETS OR EQUITY MARKETS, THE RISKS OF THE MINING INDUSTRY INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE ASSOCIATED WITH THE ENVIRONMENT, DELAYS IN OBTAINING GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS, PERMITS OR FINANCING OR IN THE COMPLETION OF DEVELOPMENT OR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES, TITLE DISPUTES, CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT AND CHANGES TO REGULATIONS AFFECTING THE MINING INDUSTRY, AND OTHER RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES DETAILED FROM TIME TO TIME IN THE COMPANY’S FILINGS WITH THE CANADIAN SECURITIES ADMINISTRATORS (AVAILABLE AT WWW.SEDAR.COM). FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE MADE BASED ON VARIOUS ASSUMPTIONS AND ON MANAGEMENT’S BELIEFS, ESTIMATES AND OPINIONS ON THE DATE THE STATEMENTS ARE MADE. SHOULD ONE OR MORE OF THESE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES MATERIALIZE, OR SHOULD UNDERLYING ASSUMPTIONS PROVE INCORRECT, ACTUAL RESULTS MAY VARY MATERIALLY FROM THOSE DESCRIBED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. THE COMPANY UNDERTAKES NO OBLIGATION TO UPDATE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS IF THESE ASSUMPTIONS, BELIEFS, ESTIMATES AND OPINIONS OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD CHANGE, EXCEPT AS REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

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The parties to this agreement include:

Eabemetoong First Nation
Muskrat Dam First Nation
Nibinamik First Nation
North Spirit Lake First Nation
Poplar Hill First Nation
Wawakapewin First Nation
Weenusk First Nation
Wunnumin Lake First Nation

Chief Joshua Frogg of Wawakapewin First Nation was on hand to witness the progress made and had this to offer, “This is a huge step forward we are taking as a collective to solve the systemic problem of underfunding and fuel shortages that plague our communities every year. We are thankful for the opportunity to show our First Nations are committed to working together to resolve these issues.”

A comprehensive work plan was adopted to ensure amongst other things, that the First Nations and the IPAs meet with the Federal government to resolve the emergency diesel shortfall issues, to explore alternative renewable energy options, negotiate bulk fuel purchasing agreements, and other agreements that will help provide affordable electricity to the First Nations.

All parties to this agreement intend to meet again in March of this year to evaluate the progress made on their work plan. Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Les Loutitt lent his support to the agreement which was initiated by the NAN Chiefs under resolution 09/35. Deputy Grand Chief Loutitt offered, “I am pleased with the level of progress made by NAN First Nations and the (Independent Power Authorities) IPAs in dealing with these urgent issues.”

About NADF

Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund is a non-profit economic development organization providing loans, equipment leases, appraisal services, grants, community strategic planning, business counseling and mining/resource development advisory services to Aboriginal entrepreneurs on and off-reserve across northern Ontario.

As an Aboriginal financial institution with a focus on small business, NADF has issued almost $30 million in loans. An average loan has helped to create
2.3 full time jobs in the region.

For all inquiries about this release, please contact:

Colleen Martin
General Manager
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
(807)623-5397
cmartin@nadf.org.

Request for interviews with NAN Deputy Grand Chief Louttit regarding this release should be forwarded to:

Christina Filazzola
Communications Officer
Nishnawbe Aski Nation
(807) 251-6386
cfilazzola@nan.on.ca.

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The Master’s in Development Practice (MDP) program opens many career paths. It offers an interdisciplinary approach across the core areas of health, natural sciences / environment, social sciences, and economics / management.  There is a strong emphasis on the development of both analytical and applied skills in both the program and field-training.  MDP graduates will be able to excel within Indigenous governments and organizations, at all levels both locally and abroad.  They will be a skilled practitioner, able to focus in on development challenges using a holistic approach.

The program is guided by an Indigenous Advisory Circle and students can study on a full or part-time basis.  Applications are being accepted and there is generous funding available. Visit mdp.uwinnipeg.ca, email mdp@uwinnipeg.ca or call 1.204.786.9093 for further details.

About UWinnipeg

UWinnipeg is consistently ranked in the Top-10 in the country by both Maclean’s Magazine and The Globe and Mail newspaper. The University is noted for academic excellence, Indigenous scholarship, environmental commitment, small class sizes, and for nurturing “Leaders of Tomorrow”.

Information about the MDP Program

General information: http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/mdp-at-uwinnipeg

MDP Factsheet: http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/cms-filesystem-action/pdfs/grad-studies/mdp/mdp-factsheet.pdf.
Application for admission to the MDP program is submitted through the UWinnipeg Graduate Studies. The general Graduate Studies application form with information and instructions is at: http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/cms-filesystem-action/pdfs/grad-studies/grad-studies-app.pdf .

Along with your MDP application package we ask that you also submit a completed General Bursary Program Application for student funding. The General Bursary Program Application Form can be found at: http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/cms-filesystem-action/pdfs/awards/general%20bursary%20application_fw11.pdf.

To date, student funding awards have been generous. Many students receive funding when they are accepted to the program while some of the scholarships are based on financial need and others on academic merit. Further awards information is at: http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/grad-studies-scholarsps. Graduate Studies Internal Awards such as the Manitoba Graduate Scholarships which can be found at: http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/grad-studies-int-awards,

Please note the deadline to apply for both the MDP Program and General Bursary Program funding for the 2012-2013 academic year has been extended.

If you have questions or require additional information, please email the MDP’s Leona Boucher at le.boucher@uwinnipeg.ca, or you can telephone 1-204-258-2998.

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In the fall of 2011 EBA, a consulting engineering and sciences company in the Tetra Tech group, was contracted by Prodigy Gold to develop a permitting program for Magino. EBA’s mandate includes completing environmental baseline studies, identifying and planning for the key milestones in the permitting process, and coordinating a socio-economic program which would accommodate local and First Nations communities interest in the permitting process to insure all stakeholders have the opportunity to become involved in the project and help guide Magino mine development. Significant milestones achieved to date include:

* Water quality, fisheries, aquatics: Major water bodies in the project area have been sampled and a baseline data set established. Sampling will be repeated on a regular basis in 2012. Biologic studies have also been initiated with to characterize aquatic flora and fauna.

* Climate and air quality: A weather station has been established on site and monitoring areas designated.

* Hydrology: Seven automated monitoring stations have been installed to measure surface water movement and flow.

* Initial testing has been completed for mineralogical definition and possible acid rock drainage and metal leaching characteristics.

* Preliminary identification of required permits, political jurisdiction, and regulatory agencies that may be involved in the permitting process.

* Initial meetings have been held with local First Nations communities to provide an outline of Prodigy’s intended program and establish direct and open lines of communication.

Prodigy is on schedule to complete its full feasibility study in late 2012 for Magino. Prodigy has been drilling at Magino since mid-January will soon have six diamond drill rigs operating at the project. The additional drilling equipment will allow Prodigy to complete its previously announced 60,000 metres resource definition, resource expansion and condemnation drilling program by summer, 2012. When drilling is completed, the company will update its gold resource estimate for Magino and integrate the results of the feasibility study into the overall project description for submission to the Ministry.

About Prodigy Gold: Prodigy Gold Inc. (pdg:TSX.V) is currently evaluating the development of the Magino mine gold project in Ontario as an open-pit mining opportunity with the potential for deeper, higher grade gold production. The Magino project contains Indicated gold resources of 2,176,000 ounces grading 1.00 gpt gold (67.6 million tonnes), and 1,721,000 ounces of Inferred gold resources grading 0.99 gpt gold (54.2 million tonnes) at a cut off grade of 0.35 gpt gold. A Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) shows a pre-tax NPV of $939 million and an IRR of 36% using a 5% discount rate for the project (available on SEDAR or Prodigy’s web site). The proposed operation would have total gold production of 2,614,000 ounces and an average annual gold output of 249,300 ounces a year during an eleven year project life. Please note: mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes Inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that the preliminary assessment will be realized.

A full feasibility study for the proposed open pit mining project at Magino is scheduled for completion in late 2012. Bringing the Magino mine project through the feasibility process and towards production, is a catalyst to growing Prodigy Gold and building substantial value for Prodigy shareholders: Today’s Discovery, Tomorrow’s Future.

All scientific and technical information for the Magino project has been reviewed and approved by Tom Pollock, P.Geo., Prodigy Gold’s Vice President – Exploration, who is a qualified person under the definitions established by National Instrument 43-101.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Brian J. Maher

President and Chief Executive Officer

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Prodigy Gold Incorporated

Email: ir@prodigygold.com

Website: www.prodigygold.com

tel.: 1-604-688-9006 Fax: 1-604-688-9029

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements or information. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements relating to the potential mineralization and geological merits of the Magino mine property and other future plans, objectives or expectations of Prodigy Gold Incorporated (the “Company”) are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s plans or expectations include risks relating to the actual results of current exploration activities, fluctuating gold prices, possibility of equipment breakdowns and delays, exploration cost overruns, availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes, timeliness of government or regulatory approvals and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Neither 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 this page as a webpage, please click on the following link:

http://www.usetdas.com/pr/prodigyprfeb082012.htm

Source: Prodigy Gold Inc.CA:PDG -2.44% http://www.www.prodigygold.com

Maximum News Dissemination by Filing Services Canada Inc. http://www.usetdas.com

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First Nations highlight Canada’s history of human rights abuses against aboriginal people, including proposed Enbridge pipelines and tankers.

NADLEH WHUT’EN, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Feb 06, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) — As Prime Minister Stephen Harper arrives in Beijing to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao, the Yinka Dene Alliance of First Nations in the interior of BC have written an open letter ( http://ow.ly/8U7S7 ) to President Hu to remind him of Canada’s troublesome record when it comes to aboriginal rights.

Of immediate concern in the letter is the government’s plan to approve the Enbridge pipeline and tankers project, despite the fact that First Nations have clearly refused consent for the pipeline to cross their traditional territories.

The letter, signed by five chiefs, tells the Chinese government of the legal uncertainty associated with the Enbridge pipeline and tankers project:

“We have learned that Sinopec, and a subsidiary of China National Offshore Oil Corp. (CNOOC), are among the companies that have signed preliminary, non-binding agreements with Enbridge in relation to this pipeline. The Canadian government’s hearing process to review the Enbridge project cannot be relied upon to provide certainty to project investors, because it does not respect our rights to our land. Investors should not place confidence in Canada’s system to review oil pipeline projects until the underlying question of our land rights has been resolved.”

The Yinka Dene Alliance includes Nadleh Whut’en, Nak’azdli, Takla Lake, Saik’uz, and Wet’suwet’en First Nations in northern BC who have banned the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines from their territories, which cover 25% of the proposed pipeline route, as indicated in this map: http://ow.ly/8U7Ny

        Contacts:
        Nadleh Whut'en First Nation
        Chief Larry Nooski
        250-613-7102

        Saik'uz First Nation
        Chief Jackie Thomas
        250-567-8048

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Calgary, Alberta – Feb. 6, 2012 – Sundance Energy Corporation (“Sundance” or the “Corporation”) (TSX VENTURE:SNY)(OTCQX:SNYXF) is pleased to announce that Muskowekwan Resources Ltd. (“MRL”), as general partner of the Muskowekwan Limited Partnership and the Muskowekwan First Nation (“MFN”), has provided Sundance the opportunity to add significant new lands to its already existing approximately 15,500 acre permit and joint-venture farm-in agreement on MFN’s lands. These new additional lands will be part of the upcoming subsurface land designation vote on February 25, 2012.

As consideration for the opportunity to add these new lands to the current permit and joint- venture farm-in agreement, Sundance has paid MRL $25,000 and has agreed to issue MRL 100,000 common shares and 100,000 common share purchase warrants exercisable at a price of $0.24 per share for a two year period.

The new lands consist of approximately 42,800 acres of which 27,600 acres are TLE (treaty land entitlement) lands and 15,700 acres are pre-reserve lands. Including these lands with the existing 15,500 acre home reserve, a positive designation vote will bring the total land package subject to the joint-venture farm-in agreement to approximately 58,300 acres. This is approximately a 3.5-fold areal increase from the original home reserve landholdings.

Pre-reserve lands are lands that are designated for reserve status but have not yet been transferred to full reserve status. This transfer is a straightforward, well-established procedure. If the upcoming vote receives the requisite majority approval, these pre-reserve lands will be designated for surrender of mineral rights to the Crown, which is required before a mineral lease can be applied for.

SE Saskatchewan Completions Update
As previously announced, Sundance has drilled one well on each of its Ochapowace and Muskowekwan First Nations permits in SE Saskatchewan. The Bakken and Lodgepole formations have now been completed on the Ochapowace 6-5 Well, with the Bakken having been fracked and the Lodgepole now awaiting a frack. While waiting for frack services on the Ochapowace 6-5 Well, Sundance has sent its service rig to the Muskowekwan 5-3 Well to begin conventional completions operations. Sundance will release further information on its completions efforts as it becomes available.

Alexander Project Update
Sundance also announces that subject to receiving the applicable regulatory approvals and the availability of equipment, drilling is anticipated to commence on the first location on its 50% owned 17,280 gross acre (8,640 net acre) Alexander First Nations Permit in Central Alberta at 16-11-56-27 W4M (the “16-11 Well”) within 4 to 6 weeks. The 16-11 Well is positioned less than one mile west of the Petro-Reef Resources Ltd. 9-12-56-27 W4M well (the “9-12 Well”) which has been producing from the Detrital formation. According to a press release made by Petro-Reef on December 19, 2011, the 9-12 Well was flowing at a net 190 barrels of oil equivalent per day. The producing Detrital formation in the 9-12 Well is one of several formations targeted for the 16-11 Well.

Sundance will also participate as to its 50% interest in a planned 9 square mile, $1 million 3-D seismic program covering the north-east portion of the Alexander First Nations Permit. Sundance expects to have the 3-D seismic program shot and in for processing before the end of March.

Sundance Energy Corporation is a junior publicly traded oil and gas company whose primary focus is exploring First Nation Lands in Western Canada. Sundance trades in Canada on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol “SNY” and on the OTCQX Exchange in the U.S.A. under the trading symbol “SNYXF”.

Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Corporation and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “will”, “may”, “should”, “anticipate”, “expects” and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding future plans and objectives of the Corporation, are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Corporation’s expectations are exploration risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Corporation with securities regulations.

The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Sundance. As a result, we cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize and the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and Sundance does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by Canadian securities law.

Cautionary Statement Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved nor disapproved the information contained herein.

Contact Information

Sundance Energy Corporation
Jeffrey Standen
President/CEO
(403) 538-8446
(403) 228-7715 (FAX)
jeff@sundance-energy.ca.
www.sundance-energy.ca

Prosser IR & Consulting Ltd.
Mark Prosser
Investor Relations
(604) 889-8676
mprosser@sundance-energy.ca.

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