Negotiation of Agreements

Footnotes

  1. Nisga’a Final Agreement, Indian Affairs and Northern Development, British Columbia, 1999, online: <http://www.nnkn.ca/files/u28/nis-eng.pdf>.
  2. Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement, British Columbia Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation (Victoria, 2007), online: <http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/firstnation/tsawwassen/down/final/tfn_fa.pdf>. The Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement recognizes the Tsawwassen First Nation as owners of subsurface resources except for the mines and minerals under English Bluff (at 57).
  3.  Maa-nulth First Nations Final Agreement, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (Vancouver, 2009), online: <http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/DAM/DAM-INTER-BC/STAGING/texte-text/mna_fa_mnafa_1335899212893_eng.pdf>.
  4. Yale First Nation Final Agreement, Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation (Victoria, 2011), online: <http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/firstnation/yale/down/yale_final_agreement_english_unsigned_updated_2012_jan.pdf>.
  5. Tla’amin Final Agreement, Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation (Sliammon, 2011), online: <http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/firstnation/sliammon/down/tliammon_final_agreement_2011.pdf>.
  6. E.g. the Maa-nulth First Nations Final Agreement states that each First Nation in the Maa-Nulth treaty group owns subsurface resources on or under its settlement lands, subject to any subsurface tenures existing before ratification of the Final Agreement, with the exception of one privately owned parcel of subsurface resources within the Uchucklesaht Tribe lands and certain lots within Ucluelet First Nation lands. The Maa-nulth First Nations have the right to set fees, rents, royalties and other charges, except for taxes, for exploration, development and production of mines and minerals and other subsurface resources.
  7. British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, Governance Toolkit: A Guide to Nation Building, (West Vancouver British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, 2011) at 354, online: <http://fnbc.info/bcafn-governance-toolkit-guide-nation-building-part-1>.
  8. Shared Territories/Overlap Resolution Mechanism, Draft Discussion Paper, November 2008 Chiefs’ Forum, online: <http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/files/PDF/Doc9SharedTerritoriesOverlapResolutionMechanismFinal.pdf>.
  9. Shared Territories/Overlap Resolution Mechanism, Draft Discussion Paper, November 2008 Chiefs’ Forum, online: <http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/files/PDF/Doc9SharedTerritoriesOverlapResolutionMechanismFinal.pdf>.
  10. Champagne & Aishihik First Nations, Best Practices Code for Mineral Interests on Non-Settlement Land (February 2007) at 5, online: <http://www.cafn.ca/pdfs/bestprac.pdf>.
  11. Agreement Relating to the Cree/Inuit Offshore Overlapping Interests Area Between the Crees of Québec and the Nunavik Inuit, online: <http://pubs.aina.ucalgary.ca/makivik/CI174.pdf>.
  12. Government of British Columbia, Tla’amin Nation (Sliammon First Nation) Lands Agreement, online: <http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/firstnation/sliammon/down/sliammon_lands_fact_final.pdf>.
  13. Elizabeth Bastida, Ricardo Irarrázabal and Ricardo Labó, “Mining Investment and Policy Developments: Argentina, Chile and Peru” at 1, online: <http://www.dundee.ac.uk/cepmlp/gateway/index.php?news=28244>.
  14. EC, Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, Article 7 [1985] OJ, L 175/40. Note that criteria is left to the discretion of the Member State of origin according to Article 4(2), online: <http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eia/full-legal-text/85337.htm>.
  15. Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Mining Policy (March 2007), ss 7, 22-25, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/TRTFN%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>; Teslin Tlingit Council, Mining Policy (March 2008) at 10-11, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/Teslin%20Tlingit%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>.
  16. Cree Nation Government, Cree Nation Mining Policy 2010-07 at 6, online: <http://www.gcc.ca/pdf/Cree-Nation-Mining-Policy.PDF?.
  17. Teslin Tlingit Council, Mining Policy (March 2008) at 4, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/Teslin%20Tlingit%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>. For Category B Settlement Lands (i.e. lands now owned by the Teslin Tlingit Council (TTC)), the policy states: “Where TTC owns the surface rights only, access requires TTC consent which will be regulated by a permit system”.
  18. Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Mining Policy (March 2007), s 19, 20, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/TRTFN%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>.
  19. Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Mining Policy (March 2007), s 18, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/TRTFN%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>.
  20. Teslin Tlingit Council, Mining Policy (March 2008) at 10, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/Teslin%20Tlingit%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>. This policy is only triggered when a proponent applies for consultation.
  21. Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Mining Policy (March 2007), s 118, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/TRTFN%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>.
  22. Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Mining Policy (March 2007), s 22, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/TRTFN%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>.
  23. Teslin Tlingit Council, Mining Policy (March 2008) at 10-11, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/Teslin%20Tlingit%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>.
  24. Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Mining Policy, March 2007, s 22, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/TRTFN%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>.
  25. Platinex Inc. v Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation, 2007 CanLII 20790 (ON SC).
  26. Inuvialuit Final Agreement, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Ottawa, 1984, s 10(2), online: <http://www.eco.gov.yk.ca/pdf/wesar_e.pdf>.
  27. Crown Minerals Act, New Zealand 1991, s 80, online: <http://www.legislation.co.nz/act/public/1991/0070/latest/DLM242536.html?search=ts_all%40act%40bill%40regulation_The+Crown+Mineral s+Act+1991_resel&sr=1>.
  28. Crown Minerals Act, New Zealand 1991, s 80(1).).
  29. Minerals Act, Norway, c 4, s 17, online:<http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/NHD/Vedlegg/lover/mineralsact_translation_may2010.pdf>.
  30. ‘Mine’ is defined in section 253 of the Native Title Act 1993, Australia, to include:
    1. “(a) explore or prospect for things that may be mined (including things covered by that expression because of paragraphs (b) and (c)); or
    2. extract petroleum or gas from land or from the bed or subsoil under waters; or
    3. quarry; but does not include extract, obtain or remove sand, gravel, rocks or soil from the natural surface of land, or of the bed beneath waters, for a purpose other than:
    4. extracting, producing or refining minerals from the sand, gravel, rocks or soil; or
    5. processing the sand, gravel, rocks or soil by non-mechanical means.”
  31. Section 227 of the Native Title Act 1993 (Australia) provides that “an act affects native title if it extinguishes the native title rights and interests or if it is otherwise wholly or partly inconsistent with their continued existence, enjoyment or exercise.“
  32. Native Title Act 1993, Australia, s 31(1).
  33. Native Title Act 1993, Australia 1993, s 32.
  34. Crown Solicitor, State of Queensland, Native Title Protection Conditions, Conditions to Satisfy Requirements the Expedited Procedure, S. 237 Native Title Act 1993, (Brisbane, Crown Law, undated), online: <http://mines.industry.qld.gov.au/mining/protection-conditions.htm>.
  35. Native Title Act 1993, Australia 1993, s 32. Also, a full explanation of the expedited procedure regime is available on the NNTT’s website at <http://www.nntt.gov.au/Future-Acts/Procedures-and-Guidelines/Pages/default.aspx>.
  36. Native Title Act 1993, Australia 1993, s 32.
  37. Department of Natural Resources and Mines, State of Queensland, Guide to the Native Title Process, (Brisbane, 2012) at 5, online: < http://mines.industry.qld.gov.au/assets/native-title-pdf/native-title-process-guide.pdf>.
  38. Queensland Mineral Resources Act 1989, Queensland, Australia, s 488(3), online: <http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/M/MineralReA89.pdf>. This was an alternative procedures regime at the State level and has been discontinued. It remains in the Mineral Resources Act to deal with a number of old exploration tenements. All new grants of exploration tenements are under the State’s ‘expedited procedures’ regime discussed in text.
  39. See Queensland’s Department of Natural Resources and Mines website for a full explanation of the alternative state provisions at <http://mines.industry.qld.gov.au/mining/alternative-provisions.htm>.
  40. Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act, Northern Territory, Australia 1976, s 3. Aboriginal Land is defined as “land held by a Land Trust for an estate in fee simple; or land the subject of a deed of grant held in escrow by a Land Council.”
  41. Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act, Northern Territory, Australia 1976, s 42, online: <http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/alrta1976444/>.
  42. Crown Minerals Act, New Zealand 1991, s 63, online: <http://www.legislation.co.nz/act/public/1991/0070/latest/DLM242536.html?search=ts_all%40act%40bill%40regulation_The+Crown+Mineral s+Act+1991_resel&sr=1>.
  43. Native Title Act 1993, Australia 1993, s 35(1)(a): the six month period starts from the date the proposed grant of the tenement was publically notified by the relevant State/Territory government.
  44. See the exposure draft of the amendment bill at <http://www.ag.gov.au/Indigenouslawandnativetitle/NativeTitle/Pages/Nativetitlereform.aspx.>
  45. “Exploration Agreements (also referred to as Access Agreements, Memorandum of Understanding, Memorandum of Agreement or Feasibility Partnering Agreements) [sic] are entered into with resource companies as early as possible in the Project cycle. … Impact Benefit Agreements are entered into prior to the commencement of operations and normally apply during the entire operational period of the project”, BC First Nations Energy & Mining Council, “Sharing the Wealth: First Nation Resource Participation Models” (March 2010) at 9-10, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/Sharing%20the%20Wealth%20v2.pdf>.
  46. Ginger Gibson and Ciaran O’Faircheallaigh, “IBA Community Toolkit: Negotiation and Implementation of Impact and Benefit Agreements” (Toronto: Walter & Duncan Gordon Foundation, 2010), online: <http://www.ibacommunitytoolkit.ca>. Murray Browne and Krista Robertson, “Benefit Sharing Agreements in British Columbia: A Guide for First Nations, Businesses and Governments” (Victoria: Ecosystem-Based Management Working Group, undated), online: <http://www.woodwardandcompany.com/media/pdfs/4487_benefit_sharing_final_report_-_updated.pdf>.
  47. Irene Sosa and Karyn Keenan, “Impact benefit agreements between aboriginal communities and mining companies: Their use in Canada” (Canadian Environmental Law Association, 2001) at 1.
  48. Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Mining Policy (March 2007 ss 29, 30, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/TRTFN%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>;

    Teslin Tlingit Council, Mining Policy (March 2008) at 12, online: http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/Teslin%20Tlingit%20Mining%20Policy.pdf; Champagne & Aishihik First Nations, Best Practices Code for Mineral Interests on Non-Settlement Land (February 2007) at 8, online: http://www.cafn.ca/pdfs/bestprac.pdf;

    Innu Nation, Mineral Exploration in Nitassinan: A Matter of Respect: Innu Nation Guidelines for the Mining Industry at 9, online: <http://www.miningwatch.ca/sites/miningwatch.ca/files/Innu_guidelines.pdf>.

  49. Jean-Paul Lacasse, “Impacts and Benefits Agreement on Aboriginal Title Lands”, in Dwight Dorey and Joseph Magnet eds,  “Legal Aspects of Aboriginal Business Development” (Markham: LexisNexis Butterworths, 2005) at 311.
  50. BC First Nations Energy & Mining Council, “Sharing the Wealth: First Nation Resource Participation Models” (March 2010), s 3.2, s 6 online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/Sharing%20the%20Wealth%20v2.pdf>. “Benefits refers to a sharing of the wealth of the resources that are being extracted from traditional lands. Traditional lands were given by the Creator to First Nations and First Nations have the right to benefit from the riches of those lands”.
  51. BC First Nations Energy & Mining Council, “Sharing the Wealth: First Nation Resource Participation Models” (March 2010) at 4, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/Sharing%20the%20Wealth%20v2.pdf>.
  52. BC, Environmental Assessment Office, Fairness and Service Code (Victoria: Environmental Assessment Office, 2009) at 11, online: <http://www.eao.gov.bc.ca/pdf/EAO_Service_Code_20090115.pdf>.
  53. BC First Nations Energy & Mining Council, BC First Nations Mineral Exploration and Mining: Action Plan (West Vancouver: BC First Nations Energy & Mining Council, 2008) at 29, 31; Centre for First Nation Environmental Resources, “Meaningful Involvement of Aboriginal Peoples in Environmental Assessment” (Winnipeg: Centre for First Nation Environmental Resources, 2008) at 78; Tony Pearse, “Mining in Aboriginal Communities” (Speaking Notes at the Pacific Business & Law Institute, 11-12 March, 2009) [unpublished] at 15-16.

    Pat Larcombe, “Determining Significance of Environmental Effects: An Aboriginal Perspective” (Winds and Voices Environmental Services Inc. for the Research and Development Monograph Series, 2000), s 6 (Schedule 7), online: <http://www.ceaa.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=072A8227-1&offset=2&toc=show>.

  54. The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997, Philippines (Rep Act No 8371) ss 57.
  55. The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997, Philippines (Rep Act No 8371) ss 57.
  56. Oil and Gas Act, RSY 2002, C 162 ss 68; Oil And Gas License Administration Regulations, YOIC 2004, C 157, ss 14.
  57. Agreement between the Inuit of the Nunavut Settlement Area and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, (Northwest Territories, 1993). Online: <http://nlca.tunngavik.com/> s 26.2.1. “Any matter … that could have a detrimental impact on Inuit or that could reasonably confer a benefit on Inuit, on a Nunavut Settlement Area-wide, regional or local basis.”
  58. Native Title Act 1993, Australia 1993, s 31.
  59. Native Title Act 1993, Australia 1993, s 33.
  60. Native Title Act 1993, Australia 1993, s 35(1)(a): the six month period starts from the date the proposed grant of the tenement was publically notified by the relevant State/Territory government.
  61. Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Newfoundland and Labrador Act, RSNL 1990 C-2, s 45 (Canada- Newfoundland and Labrador benefits plan).
  62. Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Newfoundland and Labrador Act, RSNL 1990 C-2, s 45(4).
  63. Champagne & Aishihik First Nations, Best Practices Code for Mineral Interests on Non-Settlement Land (February 2007) at 7, online: http://www.cafn.ca/pdfs/bestprac.pdf.
  64. BC First Nations Energy and Mining Council, Sharing the Wealth, First Nations Resource Participation Models (March 2010), online: <http://web.cim.org/csr/documents/Block669_Doc130.pdf>.
  65. Lee Godden et al, “Accommodating Interests in Resource Extraction: First Nation Peoples, Local Communities and the Role of Law in Economic and Social Sustainability”, Vol 26 J. Energy and Natural Resources No 1 (2008) at 14: “These arrangements can also incorporate aspects of the government’s policy of Black Economic Empowerment, in that the communities acquire the shares at a discount rate.”
  66. Inuvialuit Final Agreement, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Ottawa, 1984, ss 10(3), online <http://www.eco.gov.yk.ca/pdf/wesar_e.pdf>
  67. Native Title Act 1993, Australia 1993, s 33.
  68. Haida Nation v British Columbia (Minister of Forests), 2004 SCC 73.
  69. Taku River Tlingit First Nation v British Columbia (Project Assessment Director), [2004] 3 SCR 550, 2004 SCC 74, paras 2, 29; Haida Nation v British Columbia (Minister of Forests), 2004 SCC 73; Kwikwetlem First Nation v British Columbia (Utilities Commission), 2009 BCCA 68. Although consultation does not require reaching an agreement, consultation cannot from the outset exclude accommodation, see: Mikisew Cree First Nation v Canada (Minister of Canadian Heritage), 2005 SCC 69.
  70. Delgamuukw v British Columbia, [1997] 3 SCR 1010, [Delgamuukw], para 168.
  71. BC First Nations Energy & Mining Council, “Sharing the Wealth: First Nation Resource Participation Models” (March 2010) at 11, online: <http://fnbc.info/sharing-wealth-first-nation-resource-participation-models>; Province of British Columbia, “Updated Procedures For Meeting Legal Obligations When Consulting First Nations: Interim” (May 2010) at 6, online: <http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/reports/down/updated_procedures.pdf>. “The courts have not been clear on whether economic or financial accommodations are legally required before aboriginal rights or title is proven. The Province has been found to have fulfilled its duty to accommodate in the absence of providing such financial or economic benefits. In certain situations, however, it may be reasonable to offer financial or economic benefits to accommodate Aboriginal Interests.”
  72. Economic and Community Development Agreement, Stk’emlupsemc of the Secwepemc Nation and British Columbia (24 August 2010), ss 3.1.c, online: <http://www.newrelationship.gov.bc.ca/shared/downloads/secwepemc_ecda.pdf>.
  73. BC Ministry of Forests, Mines and Lands, “News Release: BC Committed to Sharing Mine Revenue With First Nations” (7 March 2011), online: <http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2011FOR0014-000201.htm>.
  74. Grand Chief Edward John, Presentation to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs International Expert Working Group, First Nation Peoples and Forests, (New York, 12-14 January, 2011), para 26 at 11; Haida Nation and Coastal First Nation 2009 Reconciliation Protocols with the Province of British Columbia, ss 4.2.(b), 7.1, Schedule C, online: <http://www.newrelationship.gov.bc.ca/agreements_and_leg/reconciliation.html>.
  75. Interim Measures Agreement, Hawiih of Clayoquot Sound and British Columbia (10 December 1993), ss 10(d), online: <http://www.woodwardandcompany.com/media/pdfs/IMA.pdf>; Clayoquot Sound Interim Measures Extension Agreement, A Bridge to Treaty, Hawiih of Clayoquot Sound and British Columbia (31 March 2008), ss 6, online: <http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/treaty/key/down/clayoquot_imea_signed_march_31-08.pdf>.
  76. Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Mining Policy (March 2007), ss 29, 30, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/TRTFN%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>; Teslin Tlingit Council, Mining Policy (March 2008) at 12, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/Teslin%20Tlingit%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>.

    Specific content of these agreements may also be provided: Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Mining Policy (March 2007), s 36, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/TRTFN%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>; Teslin Tlingit Council, Mining Policy (March 2008) at 9, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/Teslin%20Tlingit%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>.

  77. Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Mining Policy (March 2007), ss 27, 33(c), online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/TRTFN%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>; Teslin Tlingit Council, Mining Policy (March 2008) at 11, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/Teslin%20Tlingit%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>. Note that guaranteed participation funding is already required by law in the United States. Indians, USC tit 25 § 2106, online: <http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode25/usc_sup_01_25.html>: “In carrying out the obligations of the United States, the Secretary shall ensure that upon the request of an Indian tribe or individual Indian and to the extent of his available resources, such tribe or individual Indian shall have available advice, assistance, and information during the negotiation of a Minerals Agreement. The Secretary may fulfill this responsibility either directly through the use of Federal officials and resources or indirectly by providing financial assistance to the Indian tribe or individual Indian to secure independent assistance.” Indians, USC tit 25, Chapter 23, § 2106, USC tit 25, Chapter 4, § 123c, online: <http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode25/usc_sup_01_25.html>; “On and after October 12, 1984, tribal funds may be advanced to Indian tribes during each fiscal year for such purposes as may be designated by the governing body of the particular tribe involved and approved by the Secretary including: … compensation and expenses of attorneys and other persons employed by Indian tribes under approved contracts.”
  78. Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Mining Policy (March 2007), ss 33(a), online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/TRTFN%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>; Teslin Tlingit Council, Mining Policy (March 2008) at 12, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/Teslin%20Tlingit%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>.
  79. Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Mining Policy (March 2007) ss 33(b), online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/TRTFN%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>; Teslin Tlingit Council, Mining Policy (March 2008) at 12, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/Teslin%20Tlingit%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>.
  80. This was recognized as an issue for negotiations around the Ekati diamond mine: Michael Lewis and Sara-Jane Brocklehurst, Canadian Centre for Community Renewal, Aboriginal Mining Guide: How to negotiate lasting benefits for your community (Port Alberni: Canadian Centre for Community Renewal, 2009) at Introduction, 12, online: <http://www.communityrenewal.ca/sites/all/files/resource/Aboriginal_Mining_Guide.pdf>.
  81. Michael Lewis and Sara-Jane Brocklehurst, Aboriginal Mining Guide: How to negotiate lasting benefits for your community (Port Alberni: Canadian Centre for Community Renewal, 2009) at 4-8, online: <http://www.communityrenewal.ca/sites/all/files/resource/Aboriginal_Mining_Guide.pdf>; much of this information can be obtained from the federal SEDAR site on securities disclosure, online: <www.sedar.com>. Company websites and annual reports (where available) are also useful sources of information.
  82. Michael Lewis and Sara-Jane Brocklehurst, Aboriginal Mining Guide: How to negotiate lasting benefits for your community (Port Alberni: Canadian Centre for Community Renewal, 2009) at 4-12 to 4-15, online:<http://www.communityrenewal.ca/sites/all/files/resource/Aboriginal_Mining_Guide.pdff>; much of this information can be obtained from the federal SEDAR site on securities disclosure, online: <www.sedar.com>.
  83. Michael Lewis and Sara-Jane Brocklehurst, Aboriginal Mining Guide: How to negotiate lasting benefits for your community (Port Alberni: Canadian Centre for Community Renewal, 2009), Module 4, online: <http://www.communityrenewal.ca/sites/all/files/resource/Aboriginal_Mining_Guide.pdf>.
  84. Michael Lewis and Sara-Jane Brocklehurst, Aboriginal Mining Guide: How to negotiate lasting benefits for your community (Port Alberni: Canadian Centre for Community Renewal, 2009) at 4-20, 4-21, online: <http://www.communityrenewal.ca/sites/all/files/resource/Aboriginal_Mining_Guide.pdf>.
  85. Michael Lewis and Sara-Jane Brocklehurst, Aboriginal Mining Guide: How to negotiate lasting benefits for your community (Port Alberni: Canadian Centre for Community Renewal, 2009) at 4-26, online: <http://www.communityrenewal.ca/sites/all/files/resource/Aboriginal_Mining_Guide.pdf>.
  86. Elmar Plate, Malcolm Foy and Rick Krehbiel, Best Practices for First Nation Involvement in Environmental Assessment Reviews of Development Projects in British Columbia, Best Practice #31 (West Vancouver: New Relationship Trust, 2009) at vii, online: <http://www.newrelationshiptrust.ca/downloads/environmental-assessments-report.pdf>.
  87. In some jurisdictions arbitration is prescribed by law. For example, in the Yukon, agreement dispute resolution processes are specified in the oil and gas legislation for Settlement ‘B’ (non-mineral title land) agreement impasses [Oil and Gas Act, RSY 2002, C 162, s 68(9)]. Under Australia’s Native Title Act, if after six months of negotiations an agreement cannot be reached, parties may seek an arbitral determination [Native Title Act 1993, Australia, s 35, online: <http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2012C00273/Download>.
  88. Native Title Act 1993, Australia, s 31.
  89. Section 31 of the Native Title Act 1993 requires the parties to negotiate in good faith.
  90. Native Title Act 1993, Australia, ss 35, 38.
  91. Native Title Act 1993, Australia, s 31(3).
  92. See section 39 of the Native Title Act 1993 for a complete list of factors.
  93. Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Mining Policy (March 2007) ss 27, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/TRTFN%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>; Teslin Tlingit Council, Mining Policy (March 2008) at 11, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/Teslin%20Tlingit%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>; Champagne & Aishihik First Nations, Best Practices Code for Mineral Interests on Non-Settlement Land (February 2007) at 8, online: <http://www.cafn.ca/pdfs/bestprac.pdf>.
  94. Government of Canada, “Mining Information Kit for Aboriginal Communities” (Ottawa: Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2006) at 36.
  95. Courtney Fidler, Michael Hitch, “Impact and Benefit Agreements: A Contentious Issue for Environmental and Aboriginal Justice” (2007) 35:2 Environments Journal 49 at 59.
  96. Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Mining Policy (March 2007), Schedule E, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/TRTFN%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>; Teslin Tlingit Council, Mining Policy (March 2008), Schedule E, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/Teslin%20Tlingit%20Mining%20Policy.pdf>.
  97. BC First Nations Energy & Mining Council, “Sharing the Wealth: First Nation Resource Participation Models” (March 2010), s 3.2 at 7, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/Sharing%20the%20Wealth%20v2.pdf>: “Mitigation & Compensation is owed to First Nation for interference by projects with Aboriginal rights. This includes both physical interference and non-physical interference. Examples of physical interference include things like property damage, damages to the environment and restricted access to traditional lands as result of project infrastructure. Non-physical interference must also be mitigated and compensated and includes things like loss of quiet enjoyment of traditional lands, impact on wildlife and socio-economic impacts on members and the community”; Platinex Inc v Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation, (2007) CLB 7132, [2007] 3 CNLR 181, 29 CELR (3d) 116, para 188, sub 5.
  98. Inuvialuit Final Agreement, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Ottawa, 1984, ss 10(6), online: http://www.eco.gov.yk.ca/pdf/wesar_e.pdf.
  99. This clause should commit the mining company to providing adequate notice, disclosure, and other procedural considerations when mine expansions are planned.
  100. Janet M. Keeping, “Local Benefits from Mineral Development: The Law Applicable in the Northwest Territories” (Calgary: The Canadian Institute of Resources Law, 1999) at 78 (there is a possibility that agreements that have been negotiated confidentially may be unenforceable because they are unconscionable (i.e., it is grossly unfair to one of the parties because of stronger bargaining powers of the other party)).
  101. Carmen L. Diges, Canadian Mining Law & Finance 2008: “The Aboriginal Tool-kit: What every Mining Principal needs to know when dealing with Aboriginal Peoples in Canada” (Toronto: McMillan Binch Mendelsohn, 2008) at 10; Jason Prno, “Assessing the Effectiveness of Impact and Benefit Agreements from the Perspective of their Aboriginal Signatories” (Guelph: University of Guelph Thesis, 2007) at 92: “The use of confidentiality clauses and vague language within the agreements also appeared to affect the degree to which positive relationships and trust were built”.
  102. Murray Browne and Krista Robertson, Benefit Sharing Agreements in British Columbia: A Guide for First Nations, Businesses, and Governments. (Victoria: Ecosystem-Based Management Working Group, undated), online: <http://www.woodwardandcompany.com/media/pdfs/4487_benefit_sharing_final_report_-_updated.pdf>.
  103. I.e., a right to negotiate under section 31 of the Native Title Act 1993, Australia.
  104. See discussion at paragraph 94 of Xstrata Coal Queensland Pty Ltd & Ors/Mark Albury & Ors (Karingbal #2); Brendan Wyman & Ors (Bidjara People)/Queensland, [2012] NNTTA 93 (23 August 2012), online: < http://www.nntt.gov.au/Future-Acts/Search-FA-Determinations/Documents/QLD/FutureActsDeterminations/2012/August%202012/QF12_2%2023082012.pdf>.
  105. Agreement between the Inuit of the Nunavut Settlement Area and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, Northwest Territories, 1993, s 26.9.2, online: <http://nlca.tunngavik.com/>.
  106. The Raglan Agreement, Makivik Corporation, Qarqalik Landholding Corporation, Salluit (Québec), Nunatulik Landholding Corporation, Kangiqsujuaq (Québec), Société minière Raglan du Québec ltée (1995) at 12.4.2, online: <http://pubs.aina.ucalgary.ca/makivik/CI236.pdf>; see also: Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Mining Policy (March 2007), s 42, online: http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/TRTFN%20Mining%20Policy.pdf; BC First Nations Energy & Mining Council, “Sharing the Wealth: First Nation Resource Participation Models” (March 2010) at 5, online: <http://fnbc.info/sharing-wealth-first-nation-resource-participation-models>.
  107. Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Mining Policy, March 2007, ss 25, 28, online: http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/TRTFN%20Mining%20Policy.pdf.
  108. Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Mining Policy, March 2007, ss 24, 34, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/TRTFN Mining Policy.pdf>; Teslin Tlingit Council, Mining Policy (March 2008) at 11, 13, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/Teslin Tlingit Mining Policy.pdf> Wahnapitae First Nation, Resource Development Policy (9 March 2010), ss 5.6-5.15, online: <http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/Wahnapitae First Nation Resource Development Policy 2010.pdf>; Tahltan Central Council, Resource Development Policy at 3; Innu Nation Guidelines for the Mining Industry: A Matter of Respect at 10, online: http://www.miningwatch.ca/sites/miningwatch.ca/files/Innu_guidelines.pdf.
  109. Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Mining Policy (March 2007 , ss 25, 42, online: http://fnbc.info/sites/default/files/documents/TRTFN%20Mining%20Policy.pdf.
  110. The actual area to be excluded (ie the Exclusion Zone) will depend on the nature of the cultural heritage at issue and the nature of the exploration activities being undertaken. This may be greater or less than 100 meters, depending on the circumstances.

Fair Mining Practices:

A New Mining Code for BC
  1. 1Negotiation of Agreements
  2. 2First Nations’ Resource Policies
  3. 3Indigenous Rights, Consultation and Consent
  4. 4The Surface Versus Subsurface Divide
  5. 5Mineral Prospecting and Exploration
  6. 6Environmental Assessment for Mining Activities
  7. 7Permits for Mine Development and Operation
  8. 8Compliance and Enforcement in the Mining Sector
  9. 9Mine Closure and Post Closure
  10. 10Securing the Cost of Mine Clean-up

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