
We are proud to celebrate another successful year of the Donlin Gold In It For the Long Haul Backhaul Project, thanks to the dedicated partners, IGAP workers, and participants across the Yukon-Kuskokwim region. Your efforts have played a critical role in protecting the health and well-being of our communities by removing hazardous waste that can threaten our environment.
Since the Backhaul Project began seven years ago, nearly 1 million pounds of electronic waste has been removed out of the region and away from landfills. And this year was just as impactful. From Bethel to the communities along the Kuskokwim River – including Tuluksak, Akiachak, Lower Kalskag, Upper Kalskag, Napakiak and Nunapitchuk – we worked side by side with partners to ensure that hazardous materials were safely collected, packaged and barged to Anchorage and/or Seattle for final recycling.
We also want to thank the communities who participated by utilizing our airline partners to remove materials out of: Atmautluak, Bill Moore Slough, Chefornak, Kasigluk, Kipnuk, Kongiganak, Kotlik, Kwigillingok, Marshall, Mountain Village, Pilot Station and Quihagak.
At Donlin Gold, we are committed to being part of this project not just because it aligns with our responsibility to environmental stewardship in the region, but also because so many of our employees are born and raised in the region. This is meaningful work. Our partnerships with Alaska Native Corporations, local leaders, and businesses for more than 25 years have shaped how we approach sustainability and being a good neighbor in the Y-K region.
None of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of our fellow partners, including Delta Backhaul Company, the Association of Village Council Presidents, the Native Village of Napaimute, Fox Air, Grant Aviation, Alaska Commercial Company, NOVAGOLD and others. Your teamwork made this year’s effort our most successful yet.
Quyana for working with us and helping to protect the land we all call home. We look forward to continuing this partnership to ensure the Y-K region remains a safe and healthy place for future generations.
Colleen Laraux, Rebecca Wilmarth, Vernon Chimegalrea and Samantha Angaiak-Miller
Donlin Gold Community Relations team
What to do if you think you’ve been ripped off by a business
What do you do when a business doesn’t live up to its promises? Maybe you paid for something you never received, or a product or service didn’t exactly meet your expectations. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone – and you don’t have to just accept it.
There are simple steps you can take to get back what you’re owed, without adding more stress to your life. Let’s walk through some simple actions you can take to resolve the issue and set things right.
Talk to the business first
Start by reaching out to the business directly. And when you connect with them, remember to stay calm and communicate clearly. Most legitimate businesses don’t want you feeling frustrated because of your experience with them, and many times simply describing your bad experience to a manager via a level-headed conversation can move you towards a reasonable resolution.
Remember to have everything ready, including receipts, contracts, emails, and anything else that backs up your side of the story. A detailed timeline of what happened can be super helpful, too. When you’re organized and have the facts straight, businesses are more willing to get on board with you to solve the problem.
However, if the business ignores you or refuses to make things right, here are the next steps you can take toward resolution:
Get BBB involved
Filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau is easy and free and boosts your chances of getting things resolved. Businesses pay attention when the BBB gets involved, especially if keeping a good rating matters to them. Most of the time, this step is enough to settle things, but if not, BBB can help you take it further to get a fair outcome.
Consider mediation or arbitration
If the issue isn’t getting resolved, you might want to try mediation or arbitration. These options are quicker, less formal, and often far less expensive than going to court – some mediation cases are wrapped up in just a few weeks. But keep in mind that both sides have to agree to take part. If the business refuses, you may need to consider legal action.
Take legal action (if you have to)
If the business refuses to participate in arbitration or mediation, small claims court can be a helpful option for resolving smaller disputes without costly legal representation. Just be sure to check your state’s monetary limits to ensure your case qualifies. Filing fees are often low, but you might want to consult a lawyer if you’re dealing with a bigger claim. While hiring legal help can raise the cost, getting advice early can help you better understand what you’re getting into and prepare for the process.
Bring in other authorities
Depending on your situation, you might need to get other authorities involved. There are industry-specific groups, like the Department of Transportation or the Building Industry Association, that could help apply some pressure. If things get more serious – like potential criminal behavior – you might need to involve local law enforcement. And if fraud is on the table, reporting it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your local Attorney General’s (AG) office is another good move. These steps can push the business to act and give you more ways to resolve the issue.
Final thoughts
When it comes to dealing with disputes, knowledge and patience are your best tools. Knowing what steps to take, keeping good records, and staying proactive can turn a frustrating experience into something more manageable.
For more information, visit BBB’s Dispute Resolution Services to explore how mediation, arbitration, and complaint resolution services can help you reach a fair outcome with a business.
Cameron Nakashima,
Media Engagement Manager
Better Business Bureau Great West + Pacific