EDITORIAL PAGE — Mining goes native

North America’s largest land-owner, holding an estimated $6 billion in cash and owning 15,000 businesses, is showing a keen interest in mineral opportunities.

The potential investor, with the blessing of government, has been participating in conferences and forums on resource development in the hope of establishing a working relationship with the mining industry for mutual benefit. But a lack of understanding about this would-be investor’s goals and aspirations has become a barrier to the overall initiative, resulting in poor communication and, often, feelings of disrespect, distrust and even a little fear.

If you haven’t already guessed, North America’s aboriginal community is the party wanting to participate more fully in the mineral industry. But much work needs to be done before this partnership can be realized, according to geologist Hans Matthews, manager of the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association.

Speaking at recent mining conference in Toronto, sponsored by the Canadian Institute, Matthews said aboriginal peoples want resource development and a share in the benefits as well. He also pointed out that aboriginal groups have money to invest in mining projects as well as lands with mineral potential. Aboriginal groups within a settlement area also receive a share of royalty payments to governments.

As a first step, the association and other aboriginal groups are seeking to clarify how mining companies should approach exploration and development on reserve lands where they do not own minerals and on comprehensive land claim areas where they do claim ownership of minerals. Aboriginal groups estimate that, by the year 2000, about one-third of Canada’s land mass “will return to aboriginal control.”

In April of next year, a conference on resource development will be held in Calgary, initiated by local First Nations leaders and resource companies (oil and gas, forestry, mining and hydroelectricity). What makes this conference unique is that nothing specific will be on the table, and government officials and politicians are not welcome. It will be the first national gathering held by all the stakeholders in resource development without any government participation.

The goal is to provide an open forum for discussion of land claims and the interpretation of aboriginal rights to resources on these lands. Currently, this issue is the subject of discussion, negotiation and litigation between First Nations and industry, government and public stakeholders. The conference will also provide an opportunity for First Nations to discuss and define the concepts of “traditional lands” and “sacred lands,” as well as “co-management” of resources. A similar conference will be held later this year in Yellowknife.

The Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association believes industry and aboriginal groups can be allies in resource development, and that opening the lines of communication will result in more resource projects being developed in Canada. Matthews believes communication and education will go a long way towards ensuring that all parties understand each other’s objectives, goals and aspirations.

It should not be a one-sided process either, Matthews said. Aboriginal communities are being urged to prepare themselves for involvement in the mining industry. Specifically, aboriginal leaders are being asked to learn how the mining industry works, and to identify which skills and support services are required for mining operations in their communities.