Yukon’s First Nation governments expect the exploration industry to work at building long-term relationships with their communities. There are a number of ways to build an understanding of communities and important issues, including following local newspapers, radio broadcasts and taking time to visit community centres which can help with understanding the ebb and flow of life among First Nations citizens. Vising interpretative centres can be particularly helpful in developing an understanding of the unique culture and history of the First Nation, while also demonstrating the exploration company’s commitment to building a strong relationship with the community. Observing, listening, and learning before making requests of the First Nation is a way to demonstrate respect.
The exploration industry should also understand the capacity challenges facing Yukon First Nations. Internet access may be poor, especially in communities far from Yukon’s major population centres. This has consequences for engagement and consultation, as digital materials and teleconferences may be an impractical means of sharing information. First Nation staff may be responsible for multiple programs, and elected officials may have the responsibility for several files. Their ability to engage according to the company’s timelines will likely be limited, and exploration companies are advised to be flexible with deadlines. First Nation’s citizens may also be widely dispersed, especially during traditional gathering and hunting seasons. Being aware of these times can help a company develop engagement and consultation processes which respect the lives of community members. There may be an annual pattern of community gatherings which can naturally bring together the community, and with their permission, exploration companies may find these the most effective opportunities to engage.
Engaging with community elders is of particular importance, given the importance First Nation communities place on tradition and respect for elders. Exploration companies should also be aware that English is not a first language for some elders, and that translation services may have to be provided. Hiring a local translator is another opportunity to demonstrate respect for the community, as well as providing financial support for the community.
First Nations Economic Development and Business Organizations
In many cases First Nations and Indigenous groups have economic development departments or agencies and development corporations or similar business entities. Knowing their relationship to the First Nation governments is helpful to determine the appropriate way to engage.
The purposes of the Development Corporations are to function as the business arm of the First Nation, generate wealth for the citizens of each corporation’s respective First Nation, and to reinvest directly and indirectly to the local economy. There are many benefits to building relationships with and working together with each First Nation’s Development Corporation as they provide a strong link between community-driven and locally-informed development, a balanced tie between the First Nation’s government and access to local labour markets. Many of the Development Corporations are in regular contact with Chief and Council and the department heads of each government, therefore, they play a very unique role in that they are able to create and pursue more holistic economic opportunities due to these relationships.
It is important to be aware of the following dynamics for each Development Corporation that your company seeks to work with as the models of corporate governance are not uniform across every Development Corporation:
Who is the Corporation’s shareholder?
Some of the Development Corporations have Chief and Council as their direct Shareholder, while other First Nations have established Trusts (i.e., Investment Trust, Business Trust) to act as Shareholder.
Who does the Corporation report to? How often?
The reporting mechanisms and protocols for each Development Corporation are unique. It is important to be aware of how often each entity reports to the General Assembly. Many of the Corporations host industry information days – it would be a good best practice to attend these meetings and to actively engage in them. This is another layer of community involvement – citizens want to know that your company is not only engaging in very high-level political conversations, but that your company will also has a community presence and will provide benefits to the lives of each citizen.
Some First Nations have Economic Development Departments
Although most of the First Nations governments have opted to not establish Economic Development Departments and maintain business operations separate from government operations, some First Nations governments do (i.e., Kwanlin Dun First Nation). Where there are both a Corporation and Economic Development Department, be sure to know about any engagement protocols between both, as there may be a separation between roles and responsibilities.