Reconciliation should top mining agenda, says NunatuKavut President
LABRADOR CITY, LABRADOR, September 21, 2022 – NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) President Todd Russell issued the following statement after attending the MINEx Convention and Trade Show in Labrador West earlier this week. MINEx, which is taking place September 19-21, brings together mining industry leaders, analysts, suppliers and supporters to examine the industry outlook, opportunities and the innovative future of mining.
“It was an honour to attend the 2022 MINEx and I thank the Labrador West Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to present. My presentation, entitled “Resource Development and NunatuKavut Inuit: Respect, Relationships and Reconciliation,” had a direct and clear message: the mining industry has a fundamentally important role to play in Indigenous reconciliation. Any companies wanting to do business in Labrador and within our territory must make this part of how they do business. This means fostering meaningful relationships with NCC and NunatuKavut Inuit through early and respectful engagement. Aligning resource development plans with the values and priorities of our communities. Building trust through mutually beneficial agreements based on free, prior and informed consent. And then ensuring agreements and commitments are honoured.
Unfortunately, current provincial policies severely lack provision for Indigenous inclusion and engagement in resource development. We are urging the province to legislate principles around proactive consultation and engagement of Indigenous peoples. Then and only then can the full potential of any mining opportunity be realized.”
While we have experienced some progress, there is lots of room for improvement. The mining industry can and must do better.”
Media Contact
Kelly Broomfield
Chief Communications Officer
T. 709-280-5965
E. communications@nunatukavut.ca
