Aboriginal Women, Mining Negotiations and Project Development

Abstract

This article discusses the role and contributions of Aboriginal women to mining negotiations and project development in Canada. Four interviews were conducted in the summer of 2014 as part of my MA thesis in Native Studies at the University of Manitoba. The results of these interviews are shared so that they may shed light for on-going experiences of Aboriginal communities with this significant industry.

Participants are not named, and aliases are used according to their direction. Mary Jane and Hazel are the Joint Venture and Impact and Benefit Agreement (IBA) Coordinators for an Aboriginal community actively involved in mining. Together, they have negotiated numerous agreements for mining that were already happening on and near their traditional lands, as well as future anticipated mining projects. Marion is the elected Vice-President of an economic development enterprise representing several Aboriginal communities; she is also the Vice-President of a joint venture with a mining contracting company. Dianne is the Indigenous Community Relations Manager for a local operation of one of the largest mining companies in the world. Her responsibilities include coordinating relationships with surrounding First Nation communities, engagement initiatives for mine employees and all community members. Dianne also leads a team that coordinates cultural reclamation initiatives alongside land restoration of reclaimed mine sites.