This examination of non-renewable resource development & the sustainability of Aboriginal communities draws on the experience of Aboriginal people, governments, resource developers, and other key players. The Northwest Territories was selected as the focus of the study since it illustrates particularly well a set of complex issues that affect Aboriginal communities across Canada. The introduction reviews the opportunity offered by non-renewable resource development and the environmental, cultural, social, and political context in which such development is occurring. Section 2 outlines a vision for achieving sustainable Aboriginal communities over the next 10-25 years. Section 3 summarizes the profound political changes under way in the Territories and section 4 presents recommendations to ensure that the cumulative effects of past, present, & future development are properly managed. Section 5 turns to specific recommendations directed at improving the climate for investment & economic development in the Territories. Section 6 presents recommendations on capacity building and section 7 addresses the importance of consultation with Aboriginal people, proposing two measures to support Aboriginal involvement in consultation processes. The focus in section 8 shifts to recommendations intended to promote economic diversification and ensure that Aboriginal communities receive long-term benefits from non-renewable resource development. Section 9 reviews the debate about the free-entry system for mining in the Territories. Brief concluding comments are presented in section 10. Appendices include a list of background papers and a review of important complementary initiatives related to Aboriginal communities and non-renewable resource development.

Over the past thirty years we have witnessed a demand for resources such as minerals, oil, and gas, which is only set to increase. This book examines the relationship between Arctic communities and extractive resource development. With insights from leading thinkers in the field, the book examines this relationship to better understand what, if anything, can be done in order for the development of non-renewable resources to be of benefit to the long-term sustainability of these communities. The contributions synthesize circumpolar research on the topic of resource extraction in the Arctic, and highlight areas that need further investigation, such as the ability of northern communities to properly use current regulatory processes, fiscal arrangements, and benefit agreements to ensure the long-term sustainability of their culture communities and to avoid a new path dependency This book provides an insightful summary of issues surrounding resource extraction in the Arctic, and will be essential reading for anyone interested in environmental impact assessments, globalization and Indigenous communities, and the future of the Arctic region.

"The most current and comprehensive book of its kind, Aboriginal Peoples and Natural Resources in Canada explores the opportunities and constraints that aboriginal people encounter in their efforts to use water resources, fisheries, forestry resources, wildlife, land and non-renewable resources, and to gain management power over these resources. This examination begins with a historical perspective, and takes into account cultural, political, legal and geographical factors. From the contemporary research of the author, the reader is informed of the most current developments and provided with a well-reasoned outlook for the future." "This book is an essential resource for aboriginal people engaged in the use and management of natural resources, and for those who seek professional training in the field. Anyone wanting to know more about the social and environmental issues pertaining to more responsible and equitable environmental and ecological management will find a wealth of information in this volume."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved