Indigenous Peoples Issues - Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal - page 653

society has developed its own socio-political system to meet its own needs and that, in
many cases, the system includes democratic values, some of which may be superior to those
of the western world. It follows that indigenous societies have much to teach us.
World values are evolving and the world community now generally places a very high
value on indigenous cultures. Increasing pressure on the world's resources, climate, and
environmental conditions is focusing attention on environmental degradation and the rel-
ative harmony which apparently existed between nature and traditional livelihoods and
lifestyles that are perceived as ecologically sustainable. In fact, there is evidence that the
activities of some aboriginal peoples were not harmonious or environmentally sustaina-
ble (Flannery 2002); however, the popular view is otherwise. Coupled with this increased
admiration for aspects of indigenous societies is increased awareness of the extremely difi -
cult conditions under which most Indigenous Peoples live and the inherent disadvantages
that they face. This rel ects the harshness of the environment without modern conven-
iences, the way that other communities (or cultures) may have marginalized the aborigines
over time, and the areas into which Indigenous Peoples have been pushed.
While most non-indigenous populations have experienced more-or-less continuous
improvement in recent generations in basic human needs such as freedom, health, education,
and welfare, such benei ts have generally not extended to indigenous societies, or have been
slow in coming. Many indigenous societies have been weakened by alienation from their
lands, by disease, by exploitation or by misguided attempts towards integration. The once
close-knit relations within communities and with their land and cultural beliefs and prac-
tices, have been severely stressed as Indigenous Peoples i nd themselves in a cultural divide -
not belonging fully to either the societal values of their own traditions or those of the larger
society of which they have been made a part. Many indigenous communities that remain are
therefore highly vulnerable to further social, cultural, and economic damage.
Legal and moral considerations aside, a compelling case for concern for Indigenous
Peoples can be made on purely pragmatic grounds. Most, if not all, mining companies rec-
ognize the desirability (if not the absolute need) to develop and maintain good relations
with the communities in which they operate. Increasingly, companies have found it impos-
sible to operate in the face of sustained community opposition.
Confronted with the prospect of a new resource development, Indigenous Peoples gen-
erally share the same aspirations and concerns as any other communities. However, fear
and mistrust born of past injustices, and deeply held concerns for the preservation of
culture and identity, may overwhelm good intentions. These special concerns need to be
recognized, understood, and accounted for as the basis for establishing good community
relations. Unfortunately, anti-mining inl uences from outside, well meaning or otherwise,
commonly seek to exploit these concerns, denying the benei ts and exaggerating potential
problems, impeding attempts to foster goodwill.

Indigenous societies have much
to teach us.

Many indigenous societies have
been weakened by alienation
from their lands, by disease, by
exploitation or by misguided
attempts towards integration.

16.3 IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIGENOUS
SOCIETIES

Every community has unique
features

It is important to recognize that no two societies or communities are the same. This is espe-
cially true of indigenous communities. Every community has unique features, and knowl-
edge of these features is valuable for all involved as it increases understanding and respect.
What shapes a community is the blend of culture and experience. This may differ in terms of:

●

Language;

●

Beliefs and attitudes;

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Communication norms;