Honouring the Truth Reconciling for the Future

The challenge of reconciliation • 361Aboriginal communities, and resource sector companies to work togetherto build partnerships for the future.... We need to keep building a nationalconsensus that responsible resource development that takes account ofsustainability issues and that respects Indigenous communities, contributespositively—very positively—to Canada and its future. 282Internationally, there is a growing awareness in the corporate sector that the UnitedNations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is an effective framework forindustry and business to establish respectful relationships and work collaborativelywith Indigenous peoples. In 2013, the United Nations Global Compact published abusiness guide that sets out practical actions that corporations and businesses canundertake in compliance with the Declaration. It notes:Business faces both challenges and opportunities when engaging withindigenous peoples. When businesses collaborate with indigenous peoples,they are often able to achieve sustainable economic growth, for example, byoptimizing ecosystem services and harnessing local or traditional knowledge.Positive engagement with indigenous peoples can also contribute to the successof resource development initiatives—from granting and maintaining sociallicenses to actively participating in business ventures as owners, contractorsand employees. Failing to respect the rights of indigenous peoples can putbusinesses at significant legal, financial and reputational risk.… Continuingdialogue between business and indigenous peoples can potentially strengthenindigenous peoples’ confidence in partnering with business and buildinghealthy relationships. 283In the Commission’s view, sustainable reconciliation on the land involves realizingthe economic potential of Indigenous communities in a fair, just, and equitable mannerthat respects their right to self-determination. Economic reconciliation involvesworking in partnership with Indigenous peoples to ensure that lands and resourceswithin their traditional territories are developed in culturally respectful ways that fullyrecognize Treaty and Aboriginal rights and title.Establishing constructive, mutually beneficial relationships and partnerships withIndigenous communities will contribute to their economic growth, improve communityhealth and well-being, and ensure environmental sustainability that willultimately benefit Indigenous peoples and all Canadians. Unlike with the residentialschools of the past, where Aboriginal peoples had no say in the design of the systemand no ability to protect their children from intrinsic harms, First Nations, Inuit,and Métis peoples today want to manage their own lives. In terms of the economy,that means participating in it on their own terms. They want to be part of the decision-makingprocess. They want their communities to benefit if large-scale economicprojects come into their territories. They want to establish and develop their ownbusinesses in ways that are compatible with their identity, cultural values, and world