Resource Development on Indigenous Terms
Why the Future of Major Projects Starts With Respect, Not Rubber Stamps
For decades, resource development in Canada operated on a one-way street. While some companies got it right, far too many projects were designed, approved, and pushed forward long before Indigenous Nations were meaningfully engaged. That model is over.
Today, Indigenous leadership isn’t a box to check — it’s a bottom-line imperative. And it means operating on a different timeline.
Development on Indigenous terms doesn’t mean anti-development. It means doing things differently: with respect for rights, clear-eyed partnerships, and governance structures that reflect shared decision-making — not token input after the fact. And crucially, this isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each Indigenous Nation has its own needs, cultural practices, and priorities. Smart organizations know the difference.
From Consultation to Consent
The legal landscape is shifting. Courts have affirmed that Indigenous Peoples hold inherent rights, including title and jurisdiction over their lands. While consultation remains a legal requirement, it’s no longer the ceiling — it’s the floor.
We’ve entered an era where consent isn’t just ethical — it’s strategic. Projects without clear Indigenous buy-in now face reputational risk, legal uncertainty, insurance complications, and capital flight.
Industry Snapshots: Where This Is Playing Out
Energy Corridors: Rerouted by Rights
Projects like Coastal GasLink have faced major delays and public scrutiny — not only due to environmental concerns, but because they failed to secure full consent from both Hereditary and elected leadership. It’s a complex set of relationships to navigate.
Organizations like the First Nations Major Projects Coalition and the Indigenous Resource Network are reshaping what “Indigenous-led” really means — beyond press releases and symbolic roles.
Forestry: From Conflict to Co-Management
In British Columbia, the Tahltan Nation has negotiated direct decision-making roles in land and wildlife stewardship tied to mining and forestry operations — embedding Indigenous governance into environmental and operational oversight from the ground up.
Mining: Equity Over Extraction
The Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee and Newmont’s Éléonore mine set a new bar — combining environmental monitoring, business opportunities, and long-term revenue sharing. This isn’t charity. It’s governance evolution.
Critical Minerals: A Ticking Clock
Canada wants to lead on critical minerals. But many of those deposits lie beneath Indigenous territories. Rushing past Indigenous jurisdictions in the name of global competition isn’t a strategy — it’s a liability. And one that leads to stalled approvals, prolonged litigation, and reputational damage.
We’ve previously spotlighted the approach Vale Base Metals is taking to build long-term, trust-based relationships. Others would be wise to follow.
The Path Forward: Practical, Principled, and Possible
Getting a major project approved — and keeping it resilient — now requires more than permits. It requires a partnership built on legitimacy, shared benefit, and transparent process.
This isn’t just reconciliation. It’s risk management. It’s strategy. And increasingly, it’s the only way projects get built and endure.
At CORE, we help leaders navigate this evolving landscape — bridging risk, relationships, and reality.
Let’s talk about how your project can move forward — by building Indigenous priorities into your work with integrity.
