Indigenous Buy-in Wilkinson said when mining companies enter a First Nation’s traditional territory, propose a big mine and promise a community only a handful of jobs and a new community centre, “it’s no wonder many folks would say, why would we agree to that?”
There must be pathways for Indigenous communities to have a seat at the table to derive a project’s long-term benefit and have a voice on how the project gets built.
“It changes the nature of the conversation.”
Ottawa is looking at financial tools to enable First Nation communities to participate in these projects. It could take the form of loan or loan guarantees.
“Part of it is about reconciliation, part of it is ensuring good projects can go ahead in a manner that is actually consistent with Indigenous perspectives. I think it’s a critically important issue.”