Aboriginal partnerships in Canada: focus on the Diavik Diamond Mine

In negotiation with diamond enterprises, Aboriginal communities have provided their consent for the diamond mines and have ensured their participation in all diamond projects within their traditional territories. The purpose of this study is to evaluate partnership strategies.

Interviews.

Natural resource enterprises support more than 650 Canadian communities and according to industry Canada this accounts for 12 percent of Canada's gross domestic product. The diamond industry accounts for 4 percent of the nation's expenditures on mining and processing and it is poised for significant growth and contribution to the economy. This emerging industry has created a unique opportunity for Aboriginal people of the Northwest Territories, also known as NWT.

Diavik's success story shows that a good mining strategy is to think beyond extraction, and to be a good corporate citizen, supporting communities and their enterprises. In 2005, the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business awarded Diavik the gold award. As well, the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada awarded Diavik an award for protecting its natural surroundings and for its efforts to establish and maintain good relations with local communities.

Five communities have signed partnership agreements with Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., providing joint control of training, employment and business opportunities. This paper discusses the commitments, and the progress, made by Diavik in the participation agreements.