Weaving Two Worlds: Economic Reconciliation Between Indigenous Peoples and the Resource Sector

by Christy Smith, Michael McPhie

The resource sector must embrace Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

Much of the land, the waters, and all that lived upon or in them is, or was once, under the stewardship of Indigenous Peoples. But when it comes to resource extraction, Indigenous communities have often paid the highest price, and received the least in the way of benefit. That’s changing, and quickly. Today and in the future, the involvement in and views of Indigenous communities for any large-scale proposed development project are critical.

In Weaving Two Worlds , Christy Smith and Michael McPhie offer insights, knowledge, and guidance from their decades of work between resources companies and Indigenous communities. Smith and McPhie offer two voices from two worlds—Indigenous and non-Indigenous—to show how the resource sector can play a meaningful role in advancing Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Using powerful case studies, personal stories, guidelines, and tools for reflection, they offer an invaluable guide for understanding decolonization and becoming an ally. You’ll gain practical skills and tips on how to build meaningful, mutually productive relationships with Indigenous Peoples, from initial consultation to project planning and development.

Weaving Two Worlds offers a practical roadmap to a future in which Indigenous rights are fully acknowledged, both in law and in practice. Whether Indigenous or non-Indigenous, we breathe the same air, drink the same water, and rely on the Earth to provide for our well-being. We all have an opportunity to move forward and repair the harm of biases and colonial practices, and work to realize a sustainable future that benefits all of humanity.

184 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2022

Reviews

[Lawrence Roulston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for anyone involved in Indigenous relations. It is full of detailed, specific and practical information about how to establish and maintain healthy relations. Two often, relationship building starts too late and that means digging out of a hole. After decades of experience in the Canadian mining industry, including a lot of dealing with Indigenous communities, I found this book to be exceptionally useful. It is well written, fun to read and very useful.

[Dinah Might · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Well written; interesting. I recommend for anyone working in a resource industry in Canada and abroad.

[Kate Erhardt · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Very eye opening and interesting. A great read for my university class.