Abstract:

Mining activity in Canada's north has created, and continues to create, a legacy of abondoned mine sites, many of which have become the responsibility of the Canadian federal government to close and remediate. These mines were developed on Indigenous lands and have led to impacts on Indigenous ways of life. The approach to assessing the impacts of these sites initially focused on the toxicity of mine wastes and physical stability. Risk-based methodologies aimed at developing science-based, site-specific, and cost-effective remedial solutions are often built on criteria and values that do not reflect Indigenous worldviews and priorities. Furthermore, many of these approaches do not lend themselves to engagement and participation by affected Indigenous and non-indigenous communities. Indigenous reconciliation is driving new expectations and requirements related to the topics, processes, and governance for abandoned mine site management. This evolution includes looking at land and environment more holistically, involving communities as participants in what are usually highly and arcane technical processes (risk assessment, options evaluation), and integrating cultural and socio-economic considerations and opportunities at all stages. In this paper we will share our learnings across a range of abandoned mine sites situated in the traditional territories of several First Nations in the Northwest Territories and the Yukon. These learnings stem from successes and failures we experienced in working on sites such as the Giant Mine, the Faro Mine, Clinton Creek, Great Bear Lake and others. Based on these experiences, we will also speak to where things could go in the future.

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Michael van Aanhout