Aboriginal Engagement and Economic Participation in Major Projects Joint Successes and Challenges: Future Direction?

Abstract

The Gunnar and Lorado mine and mill sites were two of the largest, legacy uranium mine sites that were developed and operated during the Cold War years. Traditional hunting, trapping and fishing activities are presently practiced in areas close to these sites. Multiple and meaningful interactions started at the initial remediation planning stages and continued through the setting of project objectives, approval stages and implementation. SRC’s procurement team used significant weighting tools to ensure residents would be directly involved in, trained, employed, and benefit from the remediation work. Partnerships with local First Nations, Metis and the Prince Albert Grand Council were/are essential for meaningful socio-economic benefits in this area. The discussion: Engagement activities for this project went beyond the legal Duty to Consult requirement for Aboriginal consultation – did the benefits increase accordingly? Where to from here? How can processes and programs be improved to increase joint benefits?