Module 7 Key Lessons

The Aboriginal Mining Guide explains how Aboriginal communities can capture lasting benefits from Socio-Economic Participation AgreementsSocio-Economic Participation Agreements (SEPAs): private, confidential contracts between Aboriginal communities and resource developers, like mining companies. SEPAs specify how the communities that will be affected by the development of a resource will also benefit from that development. Many SEPAs include terms about the employment and training of Aboriginal people, compensationCompensation: something (such as money) given or received as payment or reparation (as for a service or loss or injury). payments, protection of the environment, and profit-sharing. SEPAs are often called Impact Benefits Agreements (IBAs) and Cooperation Benefit Agreements (CBAs), and other names. The Aboriginal Mining Guide calls them all SEPAs. (SEPAs) and Joint VenturesJoint Venture: commonly, a business to which two or more parties contribute the essential land, capitalCapital: cash, property, equipment, services, and contracts or leases., and services, in return for a share in its ownership and control. (Note: the Joint Venture is very strictly defined under Canadian law.) (JVs) in the mining sector. The Guide explains how to decide if mining fits with a community’s long-term interests. If there is a fit, the Guide explains how to prepare for SEPA and JV negotiations, how to conduct them, and how to implement them. Five case studies and other examples in the Guide help to define best practices in SEPA and JV negotiations, and the consequences of not following best practice.

Of all the lessons learned so far from the experiences of Aboriginal communities in these types of negotiation, 7 seem most important:
 

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