Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

DENINU KU'E/FORT RESOLUTION - The Mining Association of Canada is proposing a new way get the industry and aboriginal people in the NWT and Nunavut talking.

The association suggests creating a mining-aboriginal forum.

Chief Steven Nitah of the Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation listens closely to the discussion of a proposed mining-aboriginal forum. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

On Aug. 12, Rick Meyers, the association's vice-president of diamond affairs, outlined the proposal to those gathered for the Akaitcho Territory Government's Annual General Assembly in Fort Resolution.

"We want to build on the relationship that already exists," Myers said.

The forum would be jointly designed by the industry and aboriginal people and contain representatives from each side.

Myers said it would hold regular meetings, possibly twice a year, and would have a neutral facilitator to ensure all interests are heard.

"We want this to be a permanent structure in the Northwest Territories," he said.

Among the objectives of the forum would be improved consultation and accommodation of aboriginal people and their participation in decision-making, better understanding by industry of aboriginal priorities and concerns, long-term opportunities for aboriginal communities, access to mineral resources under agreed terms, and co-operation in dealings with governments.

"Community engagement is essential for mining's future in the North," Meyers said.

The process would involve First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities and groups and the regional representative of the Assembly of First Nations. On the industry side, the forum would include diamond companies, other mining firms with Northern interests, the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines, and the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada.

Myers said there is currently no existing forum for regular dialogue.

"So this is essentially an invitation," he said, adding aboriginal people will have to decide whether or not it's a good idea.

Myers said the industry doesn't want disputes with aboriginal people.

"We don't want us and them," he said. "We don't want this constant struggle."

The proposal seemed to create some interest among Akaitcho leaders.

"I think this is a good beginning between aboriginal people and the mining industry in Canada," said Chief Steven Nitah, of the Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation.

Nitah said any relationship with the mining industry should be based on a recognition that First Nations have jurisdiction over the land with the right to withdraw some land from development.

Ndilo Chief Fred Sangris, of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, said the proposed forum might be one way to force the federal government to make changes in the royalty system, noting all royalties from NWT mining now go to Ottawa. "That has to stop."

Chief Fred Daniels, of Smith's Landing First Nation, suggested the forum could be a way of creating business partnerships with the mining industry.

The Mining Association of Canada represents the senior mineral producers around the country, including BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and De Beers which are active in the NWT.