Course:EOSC311/2023/Harmony in Balance: Indigenous Stewardship and Sustainable Resource Management for a Thriving Future

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Introduction

Resource extraction such as forestry, mining, and oil and gas extraction has played a key role in British Columbia's economy and often these major projects are occurring on the traditional lands of Indigenous peoples. For numerous decades, policy-makers and resource-driven industries have regarded Indigenous peoples as collateral damage for resource extraction activities. [1] In recent years, leaders from First Nations, government, and industry sectors have come together to deliberate on prospects within the resource sector, which emphasize the future obligations and initiatives that corporations should undertake to include Indigenous peoples and communities. [2]

The Relations Between Resource Extraction, Environmental Consultants, Indigenous Communities, and Geology

Premier gold project (PGP) is an underground mine being developed in British Columbia (BC), Canada, by mineral development company Ascot Resources (Ascot).
Resource Extraction in British Columbia

Geologists provide expertise in resource exploration, environmental impact assessments, and sustainable practices for resource extraction and utilization. As a student in the Environment and Sustainability program at the University of British Columbia, I am interested in understanding the Earth's systems, natural resources, and the impacts of human activities on the environment.

Resource extraction refers to the process of extracting valuable resources such as minerals, oil and gas (fossil fuels), timber, and water. Resource extraction has a direct impact on the environment and can lead to negative impacts on the environment. Environmental consultants are professionals who provides expert advice and assistance on environmental issues and regulations. An environmental impact assessments (EIA) are a crucial element conducted by environmental consultants which aid in protecting the environment and mitigating the negative impacts of resource extraction for sustainable development. Geology, the study of earth's structure, processes, and materials is closely linked to resource extraction. Understanding the geological composition and formation of an area helps identify potential resource deposits and informs extraction techniques. Indigenous communities typical reside on the areas with abundant natural resources have have traditional rights and knowledge regarding land use, including resource extraction.

Focusing on bridging the gap between Indigenous communities and project proponents in major development initiatives, such as mining and pipeline projects. The proposed project seeks to foster sustainable development practices while respecting Indigenous rights, environmental stewardship, and providing Indigenous nations with economic benefits. I aim to address the critical need for improved Indigenous relations within the context of resource management and environmental consulting.

Environmental Consultants with a Focus on Indigenous Relations

Methodology for assessing potential impacts on the rights of Indigenous peoples as required in an impact assessment

Goals & Methods:

Establishing Partnerships and Community Engagement: Collaborate with Indigenous communities, project proponents, and relevant stakeholders to form partnerships focuses on shared goals, transparent communication, and mutual respect. [3] Meaningful and respectful engagement involves moving beyond the mere consultation process and recognizing and respecting Indigenous rights, culture, and traditional knowledge. [3] Meaningful engagement ensures that Indigenous communities have a voice and influence in shaping the decision-making processes in project development, implementation, and potential impacts. [4] The approaches to ensuring Indigenous communities have an enhanced voice include community-driven impact assessment and collaborative consent through joint decision-making processes. [4] Project proponents should approach Indigenous communities with respect, openness, and a genuine willingness to listen and understand their concerns, aspirations, and priorities. Project proponents should provide clear and accurate information about the project, its potential impacts, and the decision-making processes. Establishing goodwill involves recognizing the historical context and addressing past injustices and grievances. [5] Collaboration entails working together with Indigenous communities as partners throughout all stages of the project. It involves sharing expertise, knowledge, and resources, and considering Indigenous perspectives and traditional practices. [3] Collaborative approaches ensure that Indigenous communities are actively involved in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the project, fostering a sense of ownership and shared benefits. [3]

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA): Conduct comprehensive EIA's and allow Indigenous participation in land use decision-making processes to evaluate the potential effects of major projects on the environment and Indigenous lands. [6] This includes identifying potential impacts, integrating Indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK), stakeholder engagement, and mitigation techniques, involves compliance with regulatory frameworks, and requires monitoring and follow-up. [7]

Sustainable Resource Management: Develop and implement sustainable resource management strategies that consider Indigenous knowledge and traditional ecological practices to help build sustainable local economies and derive economic benefits from lands and resources. [3] Recognizing and respecting the cultural values, protocols, and traditional knowledge of Indigenous communities is vital. Project proponents should approach engagement processes with cultural sensitivity, seeking guidance from Indigenous community leaders and elders.[3] This helps in avoiding cultural appropriation, respecting sacred sites, and preserving cultural heritage.

Environmental Consulting and Policy Analysis: Provide expert environmental consulting and policy analysis services to guide project proponents in aligning their initiatives with Indigenous rights, environmental regulations, and sustainability goals. [8] [9] This includes respecting the fact that Indigenous peoples are the original inhabitants of this land and as such have a unique legal status which is recognized in the Canadian legal system in the Constitution Act of 1982. [3] This act identifies and defines Indigenous and treaty rights and governs how Indigenous peoples are reconciled with the rest of Canadian Society. [3] The act outlines Treaty Rights and Indigenous Rights which have subcategories outlining the duty to consult and the duty to accommodate. [3]

Positive Outcomes as a Result of Bridging the Gap Between Proponent and Indigenous Community:

  • Strengthened relationships and trust between Indigenous communities and project proponents through meaningful engagement and shared decision-making processes.
  • Increased consideration of Indigenous knowledge and traditional ecological practices in resource management and development initiatives.
  • Implementation of sustainable practices that minimize environmental impacts and contribute to long-term ecological resilience.
  • Improved understanding and compliance with environmental regulations, fostering responsible development and minimizing conflicts.

Barriers and Solutions in Indigenous Engagement

Barriers:

The historical legacy of colonization and marginalization: Has led to a lack of trust between Indigenous peoples and external entities. This mistrust can arise from past injustices, broken promises, and exploitation of Indigenous lands and resources. [4]

Literacy and Education: The lack of trust and resentment towards the education system in Canada due to the intergenerational effect of the residential schools created generations who do not value or support education. [10]

The cultural and language differences: Cultural and language differences that exist between Indigenous communities and external organizations, make effective communication and understanding challenging. [10] Additionally, limited access to resources, funding, and decision-making processes often marginalizes Indigenous voices and limits their ability to fully participate in discussions and decisions that affect their lands and communities. [11]

Solutions:

Recognizing and addressing the historical injustices and inequalities: Creates a foundation of trust and ensures equitable engagement practices in the future. [3] [5]

Building trust: This can be achieved through transparent and respectful engagement practices. [3] Organizations should actively involve Indigenous communities from the early stages of planning, ensuring their meaningful participation in decision-making processes. [3] It is essential to listen to and respect Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and values when developing policies or projects that may impact their lands and resources. [3]

Collaborating with Indigenous leaders, organizations, and community members: Can help bridge the cultural, literacy, education, and language gaps, leading to more effective communication and understanding. Creating a mentoring program that encourages individuals to believe that an education is important can aid in the literacy and education barrier. [10] Individuals need to invest time to go into the community to learn about the communities unique culture, history, challenges, and achievements. [10]

Adequate and culturally sensitive funding: Must be allocated to support Indigenous communities' capacity-building initiatives and enable their full participation in engagement processes. [12]

In the Event of Indigenous Exclusion from Resource Extraction and Utilization

History of Conflict; Historical Injustices and Discrimination

Social Impact: Indigenous communities often have deep cultural, spiritual, and historical connections to their lands and resources. [3] Excluding them from decision-making processes and resource utilization can undermine their rights, autonomy, and self-determination. [11] It can perpetuate a sense of marginalization, erode cultural identity, and lead to social unrest and conflicts. [11]

Economic Impact: Many Indigenous communities rely on natural resources for their livelihoods and economic development. [13] Exclusion from resource extraction can result in loss of income, employment opportunities, and economic benefits. [13] This can further exacerbate existing socioeconomic disparities, leading to increased poverty, inequality, and dependence on external assistance. [13]

Environmental Impact: Indigenous peoples often possess traditional ecological knowledge and have sustainable practices that contribute to environmental conservation and biodiversity preservation. [3] Excluding them from resource utilization can lead to unsustainable extraction practices, environmental degradation, and loss of traditional knowledge.[14] This can have detrimental effects on ecosystems, water sources, wildlife, and overall environmental well-being. [14]

Legal and Human Rights Violations: Excluding Indigenous peoples from resource extraction can be a violation of their inherent rights, as recognized by international laws and conventions such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). [15] It can result in the infringement of their rights to land, resources, self-governance, and cultural heritage, which are essential for their well-being and survival. [15]

Case Studies:

Wet'suwet'en Coastal GasLink Pipeline Violence

Wet'suwet'ens' Coastal GasLink:

Wet'suwet'en Coastal GasLink Pipeline Protest

The Wet'suwet'en Coastal Gaslink Project is a contentious issue that revolves around the conflict between Indigenous rights and resource development. The Wet'suwet'en people, an Indigenous nation in British Columbia, Canada, have been opposing the construction of a natural gas pipeline on their traditional territories. [16] The Coastal Gaslink Project aims to transport natural gas from the interior of the province to the coast for export. [16] However, the Wet'suwet'en people argue that the pipeline infringes upon their rights to land, self-determination, and cultural preservation. [16] The project has sparked widespread protests and blockades, bringing attention to the broader issues of Indigenous sovereignty and the need for meaningful consultation and consent when it comes to resource extraction on Indigenous lands. [16] The dispute highlights the ongoing struggle for recognition and respect for Indigenous rights in Canada and around the world.

Enbridge and 23 Nations Reaching Collaborative Partnership in Resource Extraction and Management

Enbridge Extension Project:

Enbridge and 23 First Nation and Métis communities have announced a groundbreaking partnership in Alberta, marking the largest energy-related Indigenous economic collaboration in North America. [17] Enbridge takes a minority stake in this deal which prompted other Indigenous leaders to call for more partnerships stating they "want to be at the table." [18] This landmark agreement reflects Enbridge's commitment to Indigenous reconciliation, as outlined in its Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP). [17] The partnership aims to foster environmental stewardship, create employment and training opportunities, and provide financial benefits for the Indigenous communities. [17]The Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AOIC) facilitated the financing of the transaction, supporting Indigenous groups' capacity to invest in major projects. [17]The collaboration signifies a significant step forward in shared prosperity, reconciliation, and the future of sustainable economic development in Alberta and Canada. [17]

Conclusion

Overall, improved Indigenous relations are required within the context of resource management and environmental consulting for multiple reasons.

Indigenous Knowledge and Stewardship: Indigenous communities possess valuable traditional ecological knowledge that has been developed over generations. [19] [20] This knowledge encompasses a deep understanding of local ecosystems, sustainable resource management practices, and the interconnectedness of the environment and Indigenous culture. [19] [20] By fostering improved Indigenous relations, resource managers and environmental consultants can tap into this knowledge, enhancing their understanding of the local environment and enabling more effective and sustainable resource management. [21] [20]

Informed Decision-Making: Meaningful engagement and collaboration with Indigenous communities ensure that their perspectives, values, and interests are taken into account during decision-making processes. [21] Indigenous communities have a unique connection to the land and its resources, and their input can contribute to the development of more comprehensive and well-informed management strategies. [3] Their involvement helps address potential impacts on cultural heritage sites, sacred lands, and traditional livelihoods, leading to more equitable and sustainable resource management outcomes. [22]

Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Many countries have legal frameworks in place that require consultation and engagement with Indigenous communities when undertaking resource management and development projects. [9] Failing to engage with Indigenous peoples can result in legal challenges, delays, repetitional risks, and potential project cancellations. [23] By proactively working on improving Indigenous relations, resource managers and environmental consultants can ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and international standards. [9]

Building Trust and Partnerships: Historically, Indigenous communities have faced marginalization, exploitation, and a lack of recognition of their rights and contributions. [4] [11] Establishing and nurturing trust-based relationships with Indigenous communities is essential to address these historical injustices and build mutually beneficial partnerships. [3] [4] [11] Improved Indigenous relations demonstrate a commitment to respect, cultural sensitivity, and meaningful engagement, which can lead to enhanced collaboration, shared decision-making, and long-term partnerships for sustainable resource management and environmental consulting.[3] [20] [21]

References

  1. ↑ Taylor, Gaye; Hussain, Farida (March 19, 2023). "Historic Deal Reopens BC Indigenous Territory to Fracking, Promises Land Restoration".
  2. ↑ Wilson, Lee (January 20, 2023). "First Nations Spell Out How Natural Resource Companies Should Work in BC at Annual Meeting". National News.
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 "Building Relationships with First Nations: Respecting Rights and Doing Good Business" (PDF). Government of Canada.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Papillon, Martin; Rodon, Thierry (July 4, 2017). "Canada's Changing Federal Community: Indigenous Consent and Natural Resource Extraction". Institute For Research On Public Policy.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Framework For Recognition & Reconciliation" (PDF). First Nations Summit. September 17, 2003.
  6. ↑ "2018 Act: Guidance Documents Related to the Environmental Assessments".
  7. ↑ "Environmental Assessments in British Columbia". Government of British Columbia.
  8. ↑ "Consulting with First Nations". Government of British Columbia.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "Guide to Involving Proponents When Consulting First Nations" (PDF). Government of British Columbia.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 "Seven Basic Solutions For Barriers To Indigenous Employment". Indigenous Corporate Training. November 5, 2013.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Townsend, Leo; Townsend, Dina Lupin (May 25, 2020). "Consultation, Consent, and the Silencing of Indigenous Communities". Wiley Online Library.
  12. ↑ "Visions for Distinctions-based Indigenous Legislation". Government of Canada.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Garneau, Marc (April 2022). "Barriers to Economic Development In Indigenous Communities: Report of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs". House of Commons Canada.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Department of Economic and Social Affairs: Indigenous Peoples and the Environment". United Nations.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples" (PDF). Department of Justice Canada. September 2007 – via Government of Canada.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 Davis, Augusta (February 2020). "Unceded Land: The Case for Wet'suwet'en Sovereignty". Cultural Survival.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 "Equity pipeline partnership unveiled between Enbridge and 23 Indigenous communities". September 2022.
  18. ↑ Tran, Paula (September 28, 2022). "'We want to be at the table': Indigenous leaders call for more partnerships after Enbridge deal". Global News.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Indigenous People's Traditional Knowledge Must Be Preserved, Valued Globally, Speakers Stress as Permanent Forum Opens Annual Session". United Nations. April 22, 2019.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 Recio, Eugenia; Hestad, Dina (April 22, 2022). "Indigenous Peoples: Defending an Environment for All". IISD.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 Jardine, Kevin (April 2020). "Guide to Indigenous Knowledge in Environmental Assessments". Environmental Assessment Office – via EAO British Columbia.
  22. ↑ The Role of Sacred Natural Sites and Cultural Landscapes. Tokyo: International Symposium. 2005.
  23. ↑ "Policy on Promoting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (PRO-IP)".


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