negotiation, the contents of impact benefit agreements implementation and
enforcement, costs and limitations,
Sharing in the Benefits of Resource Developments: A Study of First NationsIndustry Impact Benefits Agreements
This report was prepared by the Public Policy Forum in 2006. This report
describes and analyzes of the role of Impact Benefits Agreements (IBAs) in the
resource development process. It provides an understanding of why impact
benefit agreements are negotiated, the content of the agreements, the negotiation
process, linkages to Aboriginal and treaty rights, and participant satisfaction with
the process and content.
2.5.3
Potential Knowledge Needs for First Nations
Consultation is a critical issue for First Nations. The complexity and importance of this
issue has stimulated the development of laws, policies, protocols and guidelines
developed by Canadian Courts and governments as well as by international institutions.
More recently, the corporate sector is expressing its views on consultation.
The emergence of guidelines developed and adopted by First Nations is a recent
phenomenon – but one which represents a significant advancement in First Nation
governance. First Nations are now setting out their expectations, and establishing policies
and practices that will shape the relationships between First Nations, other governments
and with the corporate sector.
Information on the guidelines and protocols is, for the most part, in the public domain.
Many are available on the internet, or in documents published elsewhere. However, there
is no up-to-date or comprehensive source on the newly-emerging First Nation approaches
to consultation. Finding the policies and understanding their common approaches – as
well as innovative aspects – can involve significant time and effort.
This represents a significant gap in knowledge with consequences for the speed and
effectiveness of the development of the strategic capabilities of First Nations in this area.
The benefits of having the knowledge design and adopt effect approaches to consultation
are becoming increasingly evident. Addressing the knowledge needs of First Nations is
emerging as a priority issue.