in using FPIC protocols and templates, have been shared with indigenous communities in other
jurisdictions. One notable example was the LKDFN sharing with the Lokono in Suriname in the
context of their development of an FPIC protocol when faced with a project in their territories.
The current decision-making process in which the Tłı̨ icho are engaged also provides concrete
evidence of the capacity of indigenous peoples to operationalize FPIC processes. One of the primary
lessons which emerge from the Tłı̨ icho case is the need for indigenous peoples to take greater control
over the conduct of socio-economic and traditional knowledge impact studies. The Tłı̨ icho inform
companies that they should hire the First Nation’s own research staff to conduct these assessments,
as opposed to engaging external consultants who generally have no understanding of the specific
cultural context of their communities. This is reflective of an emerging trend among indigenous
peoples globally to develop their own indicators, based on their particular perceptions of well-being
and development. These indicators will serve as important tools in empowering indigenous peoples
to conduct their own impact assessments and monitoring into the future.
Making Free, Prior and Informed Consent a Reality
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