Kaska and Hard Creek Nickel Reach Agreement

October 15, 2008 Trading Symbol: TSX – HNC

Xxxxx and Hard Creek Nickel Reach Agreement

(Prince Xxxxxx, BC) – Cat Xxx, Chief of the Xxxxx River Band Council, Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Deputy Chief of Daylu Xxxx Council, Xxxxx VanSomer, Chief of the Kwadacha First Nation, Xxxx Xxxxxx, Chairman of the Xxxxx Xxxx Council and Xxxx Xxxxxx, President of Hard Creek Nickel Corporation (TSX—HNC) are pleased to announce the signing of their “Cornerstone Agreement”. The Agreement is designed to be the foundation of a respectful, cooperative and progressive relationship to facilitate the development of Hard Creek’s Turnagain Project. An integral aspect of this Agreement is that it is based on mutual rights recognition.

The Agreement addresses present needs in that it contains important commitments by both the Xxxxx Xxxx and Hard Creek towards environmental protection, economic opportunities and benefits, education and training. Looking to future, the Agreement provides for the negotiation of a Socio-Economic Participation Agreement to be completed concerning the development and is scheduled to be completed as part of the feasibility process for the Project.

“This is an important milestone in the process of building a mutually respectful relationship with the Xxxxx Xxxx,” said Xxxx Xxxxxx, President of Hard Creek Nickel. “Responsible development includes respecting the interests of Aboriginal Peoples. We look forward to a long and positive relationship with the Xxxxx Xxxx to bring this project to a reality.”

Xxxx Xxxxxx of the Xxxxx Xxxx Council commented “Following the momentous First Nations Leadership Mining Summit to develop a province-wide action plan for engaging both the Crown and industry, the completion of this Agreement serves as a positive and constructive example that First Nations can work progressively with Industry partners. This Agreement acknowledges that our Aboriginal Peoples’ rights recognition provides a basis for a mutually beneficial partnership. If our relationship continues to be constructive and positive, if our customs, practice and traditions continue unhindered, if our environment and lands are preserved, our communities may support the development of this prospective mine.”

“Cat Xxx”

CAT XXX, Chief
XXXXX RIVER BAND COUNCIL

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“Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx”

XXXXXX XXXXXXX, Deputy Chief
DAYLU XXXX COUNCIL

“Xxxxx Xxx Xxxxx”

XXXXX XXX XXXXX, Chief
KWADACHA FIRST NATION

“Xxxx Xxxxxx”

XXXX XXXXXX, Chairman
XXXXX XXXX COUNCIL

“Xxxx Xxxxxx”

     XXXX XXXXXX, President
HARD CREEK NICKEL CORPORATION

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Suite 1060 – 0000 X. Xxxxxxx Xx., Xxxxxxxxx, XX, Xxxxxx X0X 0X0

T: 604-681-2300     F: 000-000-0000

E: xxxx@xxxxxxxxx.xxx  W: xxx.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx