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Much of the discourse surrounding First Nations involvement in B.C. resource projects has been focused on the financial benefits for aboriginal communities in exchange for their approval and access to work on traditional territory.
But a new Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC) publication, Aboriginal Engagement Guidebook for Mineral Explorers, takes a more nuanced view of the relationship between First Nations communities, mineral explorers and the projects industry hopes to develop.
According to the guidebook, early, and thorough, discussions with First Nations communities is critical to “establish a good basis for a long-term relationship” and “increases [the] understanding of the nature, scope and duration of exploration activities.”
That relationship can then lead to economic opportunity. As the guidebook points out, “engagement can identify a source of employees and services that contributes economically to the local community and helps to advance projects.”
“It sets the foundation for a strong relationship and that is the key,” said Gavin Dirom, president and CEO of AME BC.
“It is mutually beneficial for AME BC and First Nations to build an understanding and, hopefully, that leads to trust and respect with aboriginal people – full stop.”
Laurie Sterritt agrees. The chief executive officer of the British Columbia Aboriginal Mine Training Association (BC AMTA) said successful discussions about potential resource projects don’t start with money.
“There are significant relationships to be formed whether it’s exploration or mining or other industrial projects. In B.C., 120% of the land is claimed a traditional territory, so you can’t really find anything in the natural resources that won’t affect a handful of First Nations,” said Sterritt, whose organization is a charity that educates First Nations people to work in mines.
“I would say it’s more common for a First Nation to look at a company’s stewardship role over the land and water use, anything that impacts the environment is probably the most critical aspect. And if a community can get training, experience and confidence, that is equally important to salaries.
”The Aboriginal Engagement Guidebook for Mineral Explorers is available at AME BC’s annual Mineral Exploration Roundup conference, which runs until January 30 at the Westin Bayshore hotel.
The event also features the “Gathering Place,” a forum for industry and First Nations representatives to discuss various mining projects. Gathering Place is sponsored by AME BC, BC AMTA, the Industry Council for Aboriginal Business and the British Columbia First Nations Energy and Mining Council.
