Indigenous Affairs
PDAC undertakes a variety of advocacy and member services work.
The PDAC Indigenous Affairs Program works to support the development of positive relationships between communities and mineral exploration and mining companies, as well as increased participation by Indigenous Peoples in the economic opportunities generated by the mineral industry.
Key priorities for the PDAC Indigenous Affairs Program
- Improving the ways in which the Crown implements its constitutional duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous Peoples, ensuring processes are suited to unique communities, jurisdictions, and projects while supporting Canada’s climate change and production targets.
- Supporting efforts for improved collaboration and mutual understanding between Indigenous Peoples and the mineral industry, and encouraging full participation of Indigenous communities in the social and economic opportunities generated by industry.
- Highlighting Indigenous and industry collaboration success stories, and celebrating Indigenous innovation, participation, and leadership in mineral exploration and development.
- Hosting the Indigenous Program - with its diverse session offerings, program reception, artisans’ booths, and more - at the annual PDAC Convention.
- Advocating for social investments and capacity-support programs by governments to position Indigenous communities to participate in the mineral industry.
Indigenous Engagement in the Canadian Minerals Industry
Relationships
The Government of Canada has a duty to consult and, where appropriate, accommodate Indigenous groups when reviewing mineral projects which might impact potential or established Aboriginal or treaty rights. The duty stems from the Honour of the Crown, derived from section 35 of Canada's Constitution Act, 1982, and dictates that the Crown is responsible for consulting with Indigenous communities, though industry often sees certain procedural aspects delegated to project proponents.Â
Despite government efforts to delineate consultation processes - and in some cases provide guidance for proponents on their role in the process - consultation is not one-size-fits-all. Failure to adapt consultation to suite unique communities, jurisdictions, and projects can result in delayed projects, increased costs, investor uncertainty, and negative impacts to community and stakeholder relationships.
PDAC is proud to offer a range of platforms, tools, and guidance to support mineral companies and Indigenous Peoples looking to achieve fulsome and mutually beneficial relationships. The mineral industry in Canada today demonstrates strong commitment towards fostering these relationships through early and continuous engagement, globally recognized environmental and social practices, and participating in open dialogue around changing regulatory landscapes and cooperative decision-making processes.Â
Participation
The minerals industry strongly supports efforts to facilitate the full participation of Indigenous Peoples in the socio-economic opportunities it generates.
 Indigenous employment in the minerals and metals industry increased by 40% from 2011 to 2021 – making the industry the largest private-sector employer of Indigenous Peoples in the country.  The proportion of Indigenous-owned and -operated business in industry is also growing rapidly, often rising from strategic business partnerships and procurement contracts with proximal exploration and mining projects.Â
Despite this rise in participation, the industry still faces an imminent skills and labour shortage and will require more than 106,000 new workers over the next decade. The industry itself must also grow, with more than 388 new mines required to meet 2030 global government mandates for electric vehicles (according to a 2023 Fraser Institute report). The ability to meet these targets will require meaningful engagement and partnership with Indigenous Peoples.
PDAC recommends that the federal government support efforts to enhance the participation of Indigenous Peoples in the minerals industry through:
- Foundational social investments that contribute to improved health and educational outcomes for Indigenous communities.
- Targeted financial support mechanisms for skills training, consultation-capacity growth, and entrepreneurship to assist Indigenous Peoples in securing employment, participating in decision-making, and seizing business development opportunities generated by the industry.
Convention
Programming
The Indigenous Program at the PDAC Convention provides a platform for discussion on fostering cooperative, respectful and mutually-beneficial relationships between Indigenous communities and the minerals industry. This program brings Indigenous communities and leaders together with industry, government, and other interested parties to share experiences, exchange ideas, and network.
Capacity Support Guide
In support of PDAC’s priority to promote engagement between Canada’s Indigenous communities and the mineral development sector, PDAC has developed a comprehensive catalogue of all available federal, provincial, and territorial government capacity-building support programs that can serve to facilitate Indigenous engagement with the mineral development sector, and to contribute to active participation in related activities. There is no similar comprehensive compendium of cross-jurisdictional programming in Canada currently available to the public.
Organized by jurisdiction and spanning all stages of the mineral development cycle, the programs listed below outline all available programming and funding for consultation capacity, skills & job training, and economic development.
Reports & Resources
Economic Impacts Report
Read the results of PDAC's Economic Impacts of Exploration Projects on IndigenousÂ
Communities study.
Social Impact Report
Learn about our recommendations for mineral development companies and their work within Indigenous communities.
Government Resource Revenue Sharing with Indigenous Comunities
The report offers a jurisdictional scan of the existing GRRS models in Canada, as well as a brief overview of those provinces that have not developed a GRRS policy or signed agreements with Indigenous communities.
Exploration and Mining Guide for IC
This Guide is designed to provide information to Indigenous communities across Canada, about the stages of the mineral development cycle, from early exploration to mine closure, and reclamation. The Guide helps identify opportunities for Indigenous participation in the industry.
Trainers Manual: Exploration and Mining Guide for Indigenous Communities
The Manual is designed to help disseminate information about mineral exploration and mining and inform communities about economic opportunities in the sector. It provides guidance for facilitators and trainers to help deliver the content contained in the Guide in a convenient, workshop format.