The head of the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association out to dispel industry myths, answer cultural questions
It was a rock collection of pyrite or fool’s gold that piqued Hans Matthews’ interest in geology as a child growing up in the Toronto area.
That curiosity turned into a 30-plus year career as a geologist for the member of the Anishinabek Nation. Matthews lives in Wahnapitae First Nation, outside Sudbury. He was in Arizona working in a senior position when the Oka Crisis made headlines in Canada in 1990. The issue of land title or whether Indigenous groups had prior right to lands was at the heart of the conflict.
For example, when a community says the land is ceremonial, he would explain to the company what that means. Whereas mining execs may use terms like EBITDA, Matthews would explain to the community this means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. “We view joint environmental management as sort of like the leading edge or focal point that not only gives both parties equal footing to work on, but also is the first major step in promoting dialogue. Once they start talking about something in common then other things will come out.”“Engagement is best on a personal, face-to-face level," he said. “We didn’t see any value in just having Zoom meetings and conferences all the time.
CAMA has been involved with some major mining discoveries like Diavik in Yellowknife, Voisey's Bay in Labrador, and others in British Columbia and Northern Ontario including in Sudbury, Sagamok First Nation, and Wahnapitae First Nation.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Identity wars: What makes an Indigenous person Indigenous, and how do 'pretendians' complicate things?Drew Hayden Taylor examines the issue of ‘pretendians,’ those faking Indigenous heritage, in new documentary
Read more »
New south Langford elementary school receives an Indigenous nameIn south Langford on Monday, reconciliation was on full display as a naming ceremony took place on the site of what will soon become School District 62’s newest elementary school.
Read more »
Bill Wilson on the fight for Indigenous rights 40 years after negotiating constitutional changeThe constitutional reform, enshrining Indigenous land and treaty rights, was born out of the First Ministers Conference in March 1983.
Read more »
Niger’s coup leaders say they will prosecute deposed President Mohamed Bazoum for 'high treason'Niger’s mutinous soldiers said they will prosecute deposed President Mohamed Bazoum for “high treason” and undermining state security, in an announcement hours after the junta said they were open to dialogue with West African nations to resolve the mounting regional crisis.
Read more »
As Maui rescue continues, families and faith leaders cling to hope but tackle reality of lossFor scores of families in Hawaii still hoping to reunite with loved ones, it was not yet time to give up — even as the staggering death toll continued to grow, and even as authorities predicted that more remains would be found within the ashes left behind by a wildfire that gutted the once-bustling town of Lahaina.
Read more »
As Maui rescue continues, families and faith leaders cling to hope but tackle reality of lossAs death toll from Maui wildfire reaches 93, effort to find and identify the dead is just beginning
Read more »