Why We Mine

Shared Goals, Shared Future: Mining and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Why We Mine

Show Notes

What is the role of Indigenous Peoples in the global race to secure the critical minerals we need for the green energy transition? And how can the mining industry and Indigenous communities work together to forge an equitable future?

In this episode of Why We Mine, presented by Teck, host Robin Stickley speaks with two people with an intimate understanding of the nuanced relationship between Indigenous communities and the mining industry: Christy Smith — Senior Vice President of Indigenous Engagement and Human Environment at Falkirk Environmental Consultants, and John Desjarlais — Executive Director of the Indigenous Resource Network. Together, they tackle some important questions, like where trust has been broken in the past? They also discuss the “Seven Generations” mindset with respect to resource projects, and explore how that way of thinking can further these important relationships, now and for decades to come.

Please note: This episode includes some sensitive topics, including trauma, suicide, and residential schools. If you or anyone you know is facing mental health issues, you can find resources HERE. You can also click these links to learn more about the work of the Indigenous Resource Network and Falkirk Environmental Consultants.

More from Why We Mine

Dec 10, 2024

It’s no secret the mining sector has experienced some recruitment challenges over the years. Things like public perception and a lack of trust, which we’ve explored in previous episodes, certainly deserve some of the blame. But if we’re going to ensure we have the materials we need for the green energy transition, the industry needs an influx of fresh talent.

Nov 12, 2024

It’s one of the first metals human beings ever mined, and the first to be smelted, cast into molds, and alloyed with another metal. And today, copper has become just as important to humankind as it was to those early Sumerian, Egyptian, and Roman civilizations. But why is it so critical, and why do we need so much of it?

Oct 29, 2024

The term “critical minerals” has been getting tossed around a lot lately. Most people know that certain elements are essential to many modern conveniences and technologies we take for granted, like our smartphones and electric cars. But which metals are we talking about exactly, why are they so important to the green energy transition, how much of them do we need, and what’s the mining industry’s role in helping meet that demand?

Oct 15, 2024

What is trust? How do you measure it? And more importantly, how do you earn it back once you’ve lost it? Those three questions are at the root of a growing conversation within the mining industry.

Oct 15, 2024

When it comes to how industries are portrayed in pop culture, mining companies probably wouldn't make the Top 5 list of the villains everyone loves to hate - but they might make the Top 10. From science fiction tentpoles like Dune, Avatar, and Star Wars, to TV shows like The Expanse and True Detective, and even fantasy franchises like The Lord of the Rings, characters and companies that mine are often depicted in a less-than-flattering way.

See all episodes →