Mineral Exploration is the official publication of the Association of Mineral Exploration British Columbia.
Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1211970
S pring 2020 15 PHOTO: COURTESY PDAC Nolan joined the board of PDAC. Later he was elected to the executive and became the first Indigenous president of the association. In 2009, he became vice-president, Aboriginal affairs of Noront Resources. "There are many examples of Indigenous businesses working with resource development projects," says Nolan. "But only the surface has been scratched so far." He says more work must be done to increase the number of supply and service companies that are owned by First Nations communities or individuals. "Many communities have little experience at developing a business to service or supply a mining project," Nolan says. "A strong effort is required to ensure that an Indigenous business start-up can maintain itself for the length of a project." Lesley Williams, PDAC's director of policy and programs, says working with Indigenous businesses enables exploration companies to build better partnerships and better projects. "Often mineral exploration development can be a significant activity in a region," she says. "It supports local capacity building and skills development, and Indigenous businesses help to meet the demand for supplies and services. And it's a way for exploration companies to increase the economic and social impact of their projects." Kendra Johnston, president and CEO of AME, concurs that diversity is good for mineral exploration and mining. "Indigenous businesses know the local environment," she says. "They have a whole network of contacts and knowledge that benefits industry." To get the most out of their working relationship, Indigenous businesses and explorers need to talk and especially to listen to each other. "Each party comes from a different culture and they need to take the time to understand and build a relationship with each other," Johnston says. Lesley Williams