Indigenous communities must have meaningful participation in processes and decisions that impact their traditional lands and resources. Working to achieve Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) through mutually developed agreements is seen by Teck and many others as the means by which this occurs. For existing mining operations that are pursuing life-extensions or expansions, engaging with Indigenous groups to obtain consent for such projects can be particularly in terms of reconciling past impacts. This paper will share our experience with reaching agreements with Indigenous communities and will explain how the agreements contribute to positive relationships and support for our ongoing operations.Teck Highland Valley Copper (HVC) is an open pit copper mine in British Columbia, Canada that has been operating for approximately fifty years. The legal context of Indigenous Rights in Canada has dramatically changed since the inception of the mine, and there has been an increased interest from local Indigenous communities to participate in the project.Nlaka'pamux organizations engage with HVC independent of one another, therefore HVC negotiated with each Indigenous organization separately. The outcome of the process was the development of relationships, and the creation of innovative and progressive relationship based agreements that include comprehensive engagement processes, with joint decision making based on consensus. The agreements ensure early engagement on all regulatory matters, and engagement with all levels of the community.Although FPIC was not contemplated in the 1960's when the mine started operation, the foundation of relationship based agreements requiring consent with local Indigenous communities is how business is conducted going forward at HVC - strengthening the relationships with local Indigenous communities.
展开▼
