Abstract:
The paradox of an irresistible force and an immovable object is occurring
The need for critical minerals has become an irresistible force for environmental and, increasingly, military purposes, and the immutable rights of Indigenous peoples is a morally immovable object. Even in Canada, the birthplace of apartheid policy and practice, the courts are recognizing and defining the rights of First Nations in ways that are sounding to sound similar the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, but reluctantly.
An increasing number of people working in the mining industry are unwilling to force projects onto Indigenous communities, while others maintain that the purpose of law is to overturn the increasing likelihood of a “veto” from First Nations
This presentation explores and urges us to look inside of ourselves for the solution. I’ll also describe an approach that can guide mining from the point at which a claim is made until mine closure
Bio:
Kyle has an unorthodox background including being raised by wolves, and then falling in love with philosophy and political science. After working in international relations and education, he wrote a masters thesis on the topic of Whiteness in Canada, leading him to a career in community services, social enterprise, Indigenous relations and healthcare transformation.
If there’s one thing that Kyle does well, it’s bringing together people with divergent perspectives and types of wisdom and helping them find a convergent pathway to solving a shared problem. He hopes that this skillset will be useful in helping mining to become sustainable and a source of benefits for communities.
Kyle is the Vice President for Community Integration with Inspire Resources.
