First Nations Partnerships and Economic Reconciliation

From impact benefit and participation agreements, business partnerships, and employment, to co-ownership stakes, First Nations communities and development corporations are active partners in BC mining. Here’s what that looks like in practice.

The relationship between BC’s mining industry and First Nations communities is built on partnerships, agreements, revenue sharing, capacity building, and long-term employment. That’s not a recent development. It’s how mining has operated here for decades.

  1. Industry Support
  2. Employment
  3. Supply Chain Support
Negotiated Agreements

Industry Support

An Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) is a contract between a mine and a First Nation community covering jobs, revenue, business opportunities and environmental oversight. There are more than 64 active IBAs in BC, giving First Nations a role in how projects proceed and a share of the economic benefits. Federal and provincial loan guarantees have expanded First Nations participation further, opening the door to the potential for equity investments in mining projects and associated infrastructure.

Careers

Employment

Mining is one of BC’s highest-paying industries, with an average annual salary around $140,000. First Nations employment in BC’s mining sector is substantial. For example, at the Red Chris and Brucejack mines, more than 30 per cent of each mine’s workforce is First Nations, while the Gibraltar mine near Williams Lake has more than 90 First Nations employees. First Nations workers fill numerous roles including trades, heavy equipment operators, blasting, and environmental monitoring. There’s also a growing presence of First Nations professionals at site and in the head office.

Many mines run dedicated recruitment and training programs with nearby communities, supporting long-term careers in regions where those opportunities have historically been limited.

Local Procurement

Supply Chain Support

First Nations have become significant business partners with BC’s mining sector. First Nations-affiliated businesses provided close to $975 million in goods and services to BC mines and smelters in 2021 and 2022.

On top of that, $326 million in mineral tax payments have been distributed to 49 First Nations through Economic and Community Development Agreements.

Mining in BC, by the numbers

The numbers behind BC’s operating mines, their workforce, and their impact across the province.

64+ IBAs

Between BC mines and First Nations

$975M

In goods and services from First Nations-affiliated businesses (2021–22)

$326M

In mineral tax payments shared with 49 First Nations

Largest

Private-sector employer of First Nations people in BC and Canada

Shared Stewardship

Environmental Oversight and First Nations

First Nations communities are active in all phases of the mining life cycle, including environmental assessment and permitting, reclamation planning, site monitoring and inspections, closure, and ongoing stewardship. Impact benefit agreements include specific environmental stewardship provisions negotiated directly between First Nations and project proponents.

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