Working together for mutual benefit - A guide for industry

Communication

Communication is a first step.

When you enter into discussions in Kaska communities, you aren't dealing with an individual landowner, an interest group or a stakeholder. You are communicating with a government, with all the responsibilities and obligations of government.

The Kaska want industry to communicate with them early and often, starting at the pre-planning stages of a proposed project, long before any work has started.

The Kaska are an oral culture, so reams of paper and thick reports are not effective. In fact, many Kaska elders prefer to communicate in the traditional language.

Consultation

First Nations expect to provide input for proposed development on their traditional lands regardless of whether aboriginal title has been established. The Kaska expect consultation to involve mutually defined goals, reaching decisions by consensus, and working as full partners to determine appropriate action.

Take the time to learn about traditional land use and places that are sacred and special. This can be challenging -- there is little physical evidence of land use in Kaska territory. And industry needs to be prepared to compromise or change project plans if community input points in that direction.

Capacity

Support development efforts by contributing to training initiatives early so that when you're ready to build a pipeline, or drill for oil, the communities are ready too.

A coordinated training strategy that targets aboriginal youth would go a long way towards preparing for continuing oil and gas operations in the North.

Community members can provide a wealth of information about the land and resources. In the mining sector, traditional Kaska knowledge has been credited with significant mineral finds and two Kaska elders, Robert Etzel and Arthur John, have received awards for their outstanding contributions to the industry.

Commitment

First Nations expect a genuine commitment from industry to work them as partners, in joint ventures, strategic alliances, and by providing opportunities for equity participation.

The Kaska are interested in working to create opportunities for new investment and economic growth in a way that respects the needs of both industry and First Nations. Involve them in a meaningful way in exchange for the use of Kaska lands and resources.

The Kaska are open to discussion about what form these partnerships or alliances should take - royalties, investment opportunities, or anything that makes good business sense.

This page was last modified: Friday, 21-Mar-2003 15:43:34 PST