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Deusdedit Ruhangariyo
Special to ICT
Around the world: Groundbreaking for a new center dedicated to Indigenous youth in Calgary, Indigenous firm secures major mining deal in Australia, Indigenous Filipinos resist mining
CANADA: Indigenous youth center
On a crisp, sunlit morning in Forest Lawn, individuals from Calgary’s Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth embarked on the initial stages of building a long-awaited youth center. They note the project has been in development for 15 years, CBC reported on March 26.
“[It’s] truly a dream come true,” said Leeanne Ireland, the executive director of the nonprofit organization, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on March 25, according to CBC.
From completing an initial feasibility study to finding the right location, Ireland said bringing the youth center to life has been a long journey, but one that will be worth it in the end.
Until now, the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth, which was established in 1999, has been operating its programs for Indigenous youth in Calgary out of rented community spaces across the city.
“Indigenous youth had to chase us all over the city to figure out where our programs would be.”
Now, all of Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth’s programming will run out of one central location, which will also allow them to cut down on administration costs and accommodate more staff, Ireland said.
At 5,000 square feet, the new youth center will include a maker-space, a feasting area, a kitchen and a multipurpose room, as well as a rooftop garden where elders will hold teachings about medicines and tradition.
Since moving to Calgary from Saskatoon three years ago, Mason Machiskinic said taking part in the programming at Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth has given him a community he can rely on.
“What I’ve really taken away from it is the connections … I moved out here because I was really struggling and I moved out here with no family. So (Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth) has pretty much given me the family that I didn’t have,” Machiskinic said, according to CBC news.
Most of the funding for the project, $3.92 million, came in the form of a grant through Indigenous Services Canada, said Ireland. The Calgary Foundation also contributed $800,000.
If all goes according to plan, construction of the new building will start on April 1, with the grand opening scheduled for March 2025.
AUSTRALIA: Indigenous firm wins mining deal
Indigenous mine rehabilitation and earthworks company Buru Rehab has won a five-year contract from Mineral Resources for work at its Wodgina lithium mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, National Indigenous Times reported on March 28.
Buru Rehab owner George Todd, a Traditional Owner of the Country where the Wodgina mine is, highlighted the transformative impact of the long-term contract on their Indigenous workforce. He emphasized that it would increase from its current level of 65 percent and also bolster participants in its traineeship program.
The majority Indigenous-owned Kariyarra company would additionally employ 12 more individuals for the contract at the Wodgina mine site, situated 68 miles south of Port Hedland and renowned for being one of the world’s largest known hard rock lithium deposits.
Todd emphasized that Buru was founded with the overarching goal of securing enduring benefits for the local Kariyarra people, who are the Traditional Owners of the land where Wodgina is located.
“Employing Indigenous people to work on mine sites and for them to be proactively engaged in rehabilitation of Country, enables quality outcomes for our people and culture,” said Mr. Todd, according to National Indigenous Times.
“Along with the civil works, Buru Rehab will undertake rehabilitation for MinRes’ exploration and mining activities, restoring the land and supporting it for future uses.”
Heath Nelson, MinRes communities and heritage general manager, noted that the Buru contract would create sub-contracting opportunities for other First Nations businesses.
“We’re pleased Buru Rehab is providing other Indigenous-owned businesses opportunities and security to invest in their own machinery and equipment,” he said.
PHILIPPINES: Indigenous Filipinos resist mining
In the foothills of Palawan’s Victoria-Anepahan Mountains, the Indigenous Tagbanua thrive amidst nature’s rhythms. Depending on the rich landscape for sustenance, mining threats loom large. Companies eye the mountains’ nickel reserves, crucial for renewable energy, jeopardizing both environment and livelihoods, Mongabay reported on March 28.
In Narra, southern Palawan, eight mining exploration permit applications are pending approval, encompassing 41,000 acres in the Victoria-Anepahan Mountains. Additionally, permits for 116,000 more acres in neighboring municipalities overlap with the range.
Despite their poverty, the Tagbanua resist the allure of mining companies’ promises of “development and progress.”
“The Victoria-Anepahan is of utmost importance to us,” said Tagbanua chieftain Ruben Basio. “It has been cherished since the time of our ancestors. We remain committed to its conservation.”
The mountain range spans 407,000 acres across 31 villages, with ancestral domains covering 336,000 acres.
Basio oversees more than 100 Indigenous households in Mariwara, Narra, where residents rely on forest resources like almaciga resin and rattan. They oppose any threat to the mountain range’s integrity.
Their concerns extend to downstream farming communities, vital for Narra’s agricultural productivity. With support from the national government, the Tagbanua unite with farmers, women’s groups and scientists against mining, fearing its impact on lives and livelihoods.
My final thoughts
My final thoughts are on Australia where an Indigenous company won an important contract in mine rehabilitation.
The significance of Indigenous companies like Buru Rehab winning contracts, particularly in sectors like mine rehabilitation and earthworks, cannot be overstated. Firstly, it’s a testament to the capability and expertise within Indigenous communities, showcasing their potential for meaningful contributions to industries vital to economic development, like mining.
Such contracts are not only beneficial for the Indigenous community directly involved but also for the broader community and environment. Indigenous companies often bring a unique perspective to projects, incorporating traditional knowledge and sustainable practices that align with the values of environmental stewardship and community well-being. In the case of mine rehabilitation, Indigenous-led initiatives are likely to prioritize practices that minimize environmental impact and promote ecosystem restoration, benefiting both present and future generations.
Furthermore, winning contracts like these can have significant socio-economic benefits for Indigenous communities, including job creation, skills development and economic empowerment. By involving Indigenous organizations, stakeholders can foster greater inclusivity and diversity in the workforce, contributing to social equity and reconciliation efforts.
Therefore, it’s imperative for stakeholders, including government bodies, corporations and industry leaders, to consistently consider Indigenous organizations for such contracts. By doing so, they not only support Indigenous economic development but also contribute to more sustainable and inclusive business practices that benefit society and the environment.
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