WORKING WITH
FIRST NATIONS
IN BRITISH COLUMBIA |
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Business
Group: Primary Metal
Region: North America |
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In British Columbia, Canada, Alcan's significant
assets include a large dam and reservoir, a 16 km
tunnel through a mountain, an 850 MW power generation
facility, an 85 km transmission line through the Coast
Mountain range and a 275,000 tonne capacity aluminum
smelter. Prior to Alcan's entry into the remote region, the
river and lake systems were only inhabited by First Nations
communities who used the vast forests and mountain ranges
to secure a source of food and to practise traditional
activities.
Although the relationship between First Nations communities
and Alcan was not always harmonious, over the past decade
the dialogue has evolved and matured. Today, both parties
understand each other and have established a mutually beneficial
working and cooperative relationship. The First Nations have
been able to sustain environmental values, protect their cultural
beliefs and traditions, and stimulate economic opportunities.
Alcan has enhanced the productivity and efficiency of its
B.C. operations in the watershed by reducing costly delays
and streamlining efforts to accomplish business objectives.
For example, in 2004, four internships were created for members
of the Haisla First Nation in Alcan's environmental services
department. This provides Alcan with improved insight and
appreciation of Haisla interests. For the First Nations, the
jointly developed Environmental Intern Program allows the
participants to enhance their capacity, expertise and knowledge
of the sustainability challenges and opportunities facing
Alcan in the region.
Another significant project launched in 2004 is Alcan's
involvement with the Cheslatta Carrier Nation, the Nee
Tahi Buhn Indian Band and the Skin Tyee Nation. Known as the
Alcan-Three Nations Forest Stewardship Initiative, the cooperative
goal is to attack the serious infestation of certain forests
by the Mountain Pine Beetle.
Benefits include:
| Creation of 25 to 30 jobs in the forest sector and development
of forest-harvesting capability in local First Nations
communities. |
| 1,200 hours of practical forest management training
for workers through a mentorship program. |
| Annual harvesting of 100,000 cubic metres of infested
pine trees for the next four years and implementation
of a silviculture program to ensure that Alcan's lands
are managed in an environmentally sustainable manner. |
| A strengthened relationship among the four parties. |
| Creation of a legacy fund for First Nations residents
and local communities to help launch social, environmental
and economic projects in the region. |
Although harvesting the trees does not stop the beetle,
the affected dead trees represent a fire hazard and a potential
lost resource if not harvested.
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