Greater Sudbury mining meeting examines role of First Nations

On the second day of the fifth edition of the Mining Regions and Towns Conference held in Greater Sudbury, participants, among other things, addressed sustainable pathways for mining projects on First Nations lands.

They discussed how to avoid the dispossession and dependence of indigenous peoples. The participants also welcomed the step taken by certain First Nations in Canada, particularly in the development of protocols.

We examined how Indigenous people can benefit from the presence of mines in their regions, said Andres Sanabriacoordinator of the initiative OECD for mining regions and towns.

Mr. Sanabria mentioned that to encourage sustainable practices in mining regions that respect indigenous rights, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is organizing this conference in which representatives of indigenous people from different countries participate.

They share experiences by learning in particular from the advances recorded in certain parts of the world.

For example, Canada is advanced in financing programs for indigenous projects. There are partnerships and strong negotiationswelcomed Andres Sanabria.

Active involvement

The President of the National Aboriginal Economic Development Council, Dawn Madahbee Slabha announced that a meeting had brought together indigenous representatives the day before.

We looked at the messages we needed to send to mining companies and different levels of governmentexplained Ms. Madahbee Leacha member of the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation on Manitoulin Island.

But also the message that we need to send to ourselves, how we need to participate meaningfully in this mining industry.

She maintains that communities learn from other communities, including how best to proceed with negotiations.

She gave the example, in Northeastern Ontario, of the Wabun Tribal Council which developed an excellent protocol on Aboriginal involvement.

Need for dialogue

The conference brings together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academia, civil society organizations representing several countries.

Fanta Kaba came from Guinea, West Africa. She indicates that mining regions around the world are experiencing similar problems.

Everywhere there is the question of recognition of communities, ownership of projects and also inter-actor relations.she believes.

Representing the mining company Rio Tinto in his country, Fanta Kaba offers a dialogue.

We need to establish an open dialogue, because when we talk about government on one side, communities on the other and mining companies, we are already talking about three key players in a mining projectshe suggested.

The event will end on Friday.

With information from Déborah St-Victor