Copyright

Allen Edzerza and Dave Porter

Published On

2024-04-08

Page Range

pp. 9–16

Language

  • English

Print Length

8 pages

Colonialism and Mining

  • Allen Edzerza (author)
  • Dave Porter (author)
Chapter of: Heavy Metal: Earth’s Minerals and the Future of Sustainable Societies(pp. 9–16)
This essay reflects on the historical and ongoing colonial appropriation of land and resources from Indigenous peoples. Beginning with the 1493 Inter Caetera Papal Bull, which laid the foundation for the Doctrine of Discovery, and continuing through subsequent colonial expansions, the authors trace a narrative of systematic appropriation of Indigenous land and resources by European powers, in connection with the emergence of Canada as a major player in the global mining sector over the past 150 years. The essay highlights how Indigenous peoples have long fought to reclaim their rights, examining repeated legal precedents that have affirmed Indigenous rights and title, and the need to consult and accommodate First Nations in the management of resources on their territories. Indigenous leadership will be essential in shaping the future of the mining industry, calling for a fundamental shift towards environmentally and socially responsible mining practices, rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to the stewardship of Earth’s resources for future generations.

Contributors

Allen Edzerza

(author)

Allen Edzerza is an Elder of the Tahltan Nation, and a member of the Tahltan Elders Council. He has led mining reform discussions with the Government of British Columbia on behalf of the First Nation Energy and Mining Council, and has served as an advisor on Aboriginal issues to the Premier and Cabinet of Government of British Columbia and the Yukon. For more than three decades, he has worked to advance Indigenous title and rights and the re-establishment of Indigenous sovereign governments, supporting resource projects to address climate change, while protecting the environment and wildlife populations. He is also working with UBC to bring post-secondary education to remote northern communities, with a significant component of land-based experiential learning and Elder knowledge.

Dave Porter

(author)
President at Dena Kayeh Institute

Dave Porter is an Elder of the Kaska Nation, whose traditional territory covers a large part of northeastern British Columbia and southeastern Yukon. He is the CEO of the British Columbia First Nations Energy and Mining Council, and President of the Dena Kayeh Institute. He has previously been a member of the Yukon Legislature, where he served as House Leader, Deputy Premier and Minister of Renewable Resources, Tourism, Heritage and Culture, and Minister Responsible for Constitutional Devolution. Dave has also served as a Deputy Minister and Assistant Deputy Minister in the governments of the Northwest Territories and British Columbia, and as Executive Director of the Yukon Human Rights Commission. In 2002, he was elected Chair of the Kaska Dena Council, with a special commitment to preserve Kaska culture and create greater opportunity for Kaska youth. Over his career, Dave has worked to promote sustainable economic and social development on Indigenous lands.