From conflict to partnership
Companies link up with Aboriginal communities
By Mike Stimpson

Once upon a time, actually not long ago, conflict and confrontation were rife in Aboriginal communities' relations with mining and forestry companies. Now, 'partnership' and 'consultation' and 'respect' are keywords.

Half of Cameco's northern Saskatchewan workforce is Aboriginal, and the uranium company's list of contractors includes many native-owned firms
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In the Northwest Territories, Diavik Diamond Mine's operators have developed a productive alliance with Aboriginal communities.

In northwestern Ontario, Pikangikum First Nation has taken bold steps to "be in the driver's seat" when it comes to responsible development of a big patch of precious boreal forest.
These are 'good news' stories for the communities involved, as they represent opportunity and potential prosperity in places where unemployment and poverty run high. But are they isolated instances or part of a trend? Do they bode a future of greater inclusion for Aboriginal peoples in Canada's resource sectors?

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