Successful Community Strategies for Engaging with Resource Extraction Companies P. Jerry Asp

Successful Tahltan Strategies

Tahltan Resources Development Policy 1. assurance that the development will not pose a threat of irreparable environmental damage; 2. assurance that the development will not jeopardize, prejudice or otherwise compromise the outstanding Tahltan aboriginal rights claim; 3. assurance that the project will provide more positive than negative social impacts on Tahltan people; 4. provision for the widest possible opportunity for education and direct employment-related training for Tahltan people in connection with the project; 5. provision for the widest possible employment opportunities for Tahltan people with respect to all phases of the development; 6. provision for substantial equity participation by Tahltans in the total project; 7. provision for the widest possible development of Tahltan business opportunities over which the developer may have control or influence; 8. provision for the developer to assist the Tahltans to accomplish the objectives stated above by providing financial and managerial assistance and advice where deemed necessary.

Tahltan Heritage Resource Environmental Assessment Team (THREAT) Metal Leaching/Acid Rock Drainage, Wildlife and Ecosystem Mapping, Fish and Navigable Waters, Water Quality and Management, Access Road and Transmission Lines, Mine Planning, Operations and Closure, Social and Culture, Legal, Heritage, Economic, Cumulative Impacts, Administrative, and Training.

Principles of Operation “The Tahltan have an inherent responsibility, as stewards of their lands and resources, to ensure that any use or development of those lands and resources is carried out in a sustainable and responsible manner in order to preserve their ability to continue to use and occupy their territory and to protect their culture and economies.”

Mission To protect our aboriginal rights and title and to ensure that the principles of the 1910 Declaration of the Tahltan Tribe and the Tahltan Resource Development Policy are being met through active participation. To make changes in the way mining exploration is done in Tahltan territory and to take the leadership role in improving the way mining operations are being conducted.

To continue the Tahltan way of life by protecting our values. These include: Recognizing the importance of Tahltan spirituality: we are all connected Valuing our connection to the land, Demonstrating our value and respect for other beings, namely the fish/wildlife, Realizing that “we belong to the land”, Supporting our bonds, kinship, roots, and belonging. Respect each other: Tahltans will show respect for all people and Beings. We will practice our beliefs and show respect by asking permission, using all that we take and not wasting, sharing what we take, providing offerings, and leaving things properly.

Responsibilities 1. To represent the Tahltan Nation in all resource development projects through active participation in the Environmental Assessment process. 2. To actively participate in the development of regulatory applications submitted by resource development corporations seeking resource development opportunities in Tahltan territory. 3. To critically review data and studies published related to various resource development projects for each of the fields outlined as defined by THREAT. 4. To assist in the development of a response to each of the respective fields that can be submitted on behalf of the Tahltan Nation to the Environmental Assessment office.

5. To increase capacity within the Tahltan Nation through the development and distribution of resource materials on the various aspects of resource development projects within the respective fields defined by THREAT. 6. Conduct research in the various fields as outlined to assist in the development of Tahltan mining policy. 7.Planning and delivering training workshops on the various fields as defined by THREAT to increase capacity within the Tahltan Nation. 8.To participate in internal Tahltan consultation within our communities.

Seven Questions to Sustainability 1. Engagement – Are engagement processes in place and working effectively? 2. People – Will people’s well-being be maintained or improved? 3. Environment – Is the integrity of the environment assured over the long term? 4. Economy – Is the economic viability of the project or operation assured, and will the economy of the community and beyond be better off as a result? 5. Traditional and Non-markets Activities – Are traditional and non-market activities in the community and surrounding area accounted for in a way that is acceptable to the local people? 6. Institutional Arrangements and Governance – Are rules, incentives, programs, and capacities in place to address project or operational consequences? 7. Synthesis and Continuous Learning – Does a full synthesis show that the net result will be positive or negative in the long term, and will there be periodic reassessments?

Our report, “Out of Respect”, from this forum, was released on January 28, 2004 at the Cordilleran Roundup in Vancouver. I don’t have any copies to hand-out today, but if anyone is interested you can find this report on the internet at

Tahltan Mining Strategy 1. Send a signal that Tahltan people are supportive of mining and mineral activity on their land under conditions that such activities are respective of Tahltan concerns and lead to a fair distribution of costs, benefits, and risks to implicated parties. 2. Facilitate Tahltan participation in mining and mineral activities - not only through direct and indirect employment, but also in terms of overall management/co-management as well as the broad perspective of seeing a fair distribution (considering all participating interests) of all benefits, costs, and risks. 3. Ensure that the broad range of concerns raised in the "Seven Questions to Sustainability'' are addressed, in particular the health/social/cultural and environmental implications of mining/mineral activity; and 4. Ensure that in the future, mining and ­mineral activities in Tahltan Traditional Territory are a win-win for all implicated interests – the Tahltan people, mining/mineral interests, governments, and others.

The mining industry should develop sensitivity to First Nations Societies by; become informed on First Nations Rights from a legal perspective as expressed in recent court decisions; establishing engagement processes that reflect a respect for First Nations and their traditional territories; taking cross-cultural training to ensure that the company has the capacity to build the needed relationships with First Nation People; and committing to collaborative problem-solving approaches with First Nation Peoples.

And so, in conclusion, Ladies and Gentlemen I will leave you with this brief overview and look forward to answer any questions, you may have, later in the program. Ma Duh