Learn about major contemporary and historical issues of colonialism, Indigenous history, culture and knowledge, consultation obligations, how to engage and agreements
Learn to recognize what biases you might carry with you and how to address those individually and within your team
What this means, how it can be achieved and the steps individuals and organizations can take to lead in building positive relationships with Indigenous communities
About the author
Christy is a member of K’ómoks First Nation, living in her traditional territory on Vancouver Island. Christy has authentically navigated both Indigenous and non-indigenous worlds while working in the resource sector for over 25 years. Her work is deeply rooted in reconciliation and decolonizing the approach to ways of doing business.Engaging and building good relationships are at the core of what Christy does as a changemaker, mentor, liaison, project manager, and engagement expert. She has facilitated workshops, presented at national mining conventions, instructed at universities, de-escalated complex situations, mentored Indigenous entrepreneurs, negotiated countless benefits agreements, advocated on the behalf First Nations’ governments and industry proponents, and built capacity within every organization of which she has been a part. Christy has a BA in Native Studies from the University of Alberta and an MBA from the University of Northern British Columbia, and is a wife and mother. Christy currently serves as a Partner and Vice President, Indigenous and Stakeholder Relations with Falkirk Environmental Consultants Ltd. of Vancouver and Vice President, Sustainability with TDG Gold Corp. She is currently serving as Vice Chair for the Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Committee for the Association for Mineral Exploration in BC.
About the author
In a career spanning more than 25 years Michael has worked as a founder, director and executive leading the development of mineral resource projects and companies thrMichael McPhie is an executive with more than 25 years of experience in the Canadian and international resource industry. Over his career he has been a CEO, Chairman of the Board, founder, partner and officer of public and private companies. Michael currently serves as a Founding Partner and Co-Chair of Falkirk Environmental where he acts as a senior advisor to resource companies, governments and communities and is on the board and an officer of several Canadian public mineral exploration and mining companies. He is also a member of the Board of Advisors of the Washington, D.C. based nongovernmental organization Resolve.
Michael was the former Chair of the Board of Ridley Terminals Inc., the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), the Association for Mineral Exploration BC (AME) and the President and CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia.
In the era of economic reconciliation with Indigenous people of Canada this book is compelling as it relates to how to do business properly with Indigenous nations. It is a must read if you want to get right and do right by Indigenous people of Canada. After reading this book, I was enlightened and given hope that the resource sector and Indigenous people can collaborate in business for a win-win and hit economic reconciliation on its head in the 21st century.
With the current progressive move from the “winner takes all” colonial mentality to a modern, ESG focused a “win-win” view, McPhie and Smith provide todays mining CEO with a knowledge and experience based multifaceted approach to conducting successful dialogue with First Nation communities.
In revealing their own roots and life experiences, the authors describe how through a process of a process of self-reflection, understanding and respect, true reconciliation is possible.
As someone fortunate enough to work with Christy and Mike on a day to day basis, I hear their voices on every page. I cannot believe this book hasn’t been written before but I’m very glad that it now has. Let it be your guide and positive change will follow.
