Conference Spotlight : Aboriginal Communities and Extractives Industy: Is Conflict Inevitable?

Jay OwenSRI/ESG News

Conflict between Aboriginal communities and resource companies can and does happen.

And there is no shortage of high profile examples, whether it’s Enbridge’s Northern Gateway pipeline, Barrick’s Pascua-Lama mine in Chile or lawsuits brought against Hudbay for alleged human rights violations in Guatemala.

But there is another side to this story. In some cases, Aboriginal communities and extractives companies are charting a new path.

On Monday, June 17, at the Canadian Responsible Investment Conference in Vancouver, Bob Walker, Vice President NEI Ethical Funds, will host a conversation among a panel of experts on the tools being used and the steps now being taken toward collaboration, cooperation and mutually beneficial agreements.

Panelists: Cynthia Callison, Partner at Callison & Hanna; Lana Eagle, Director of Aboriginal Engagement at PR Associates; Bob Joseph, President, Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. and President of National Aboriginal Energy and Power Association; Peter MacConachie, Suncor; Dominique Ramirez, Goldcorp.