Indigenous Peoples Issues - Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal - page 658

schooling, and others, while institutions and practices include religions, interest groups, and
union involvement, to name a few. Social interaction is a main indicator of societal organi-
zation and involves such relationships and concepts as family friendship, business relations,
hierarchy, and social order. These are all important aspects of societal organization.
Disruption of societal organization due to mining activities occurs with changes to one
or more of these aspects of a society. Examples of disruptions include:
●

Increased number of single males of a different culture entering the community;

●

An exaggerated economic gap between groups within the community - the 'haves' and
the 'have nots';

●

Conl icts between or within residents and newcomers;

●

Introduction of outside agencies;

●

Corrosion of existing values;

●

Creation of additional values.

Marginalizing an indigenous community within a society also represents a disruption.
Societal change occurs naturally. However, industrialization causes accelerated societal
change by introducing foreign and unfamiliar activities and opportunities. Employment
opportunities, for example, may alter daily activities and population composition, while
land clearing may interfere with or preclude traditional institutions or practices; e.g. hunt-
ing and harvesting of forest resources. Changes which upset the balance of interests within
a community are generally not welcomed, particularly when an essential part of the com-
munity's identity is affected.
It is clear that industrial activity presents opportunities for Indigenous Peoples. The
challenge is to i nd ways of reducing the intensity of social disruption and maximizing the
likelihood of social change associated with mining development which is a positive expe-
rience for the local people. If managed sensibly and sensitively, it should be possible for
the inescapable social and cultural pressures to be offset by, for example, improved living
conditions, practical employment experience, health care, etc. Social impact predictions
should be undertaken early in the planning process to help forecast and develop appropri-
ate strategies.

Industrialization causes
accelerated societal change by
introducing foreign and unfamiliar
activities and opportunities.

Loss of Customary Values and Cultural Identity

Cultural values and cultural identity are what underpin an indigenous society. Without
these attributes the group's cohesion and sense of self will disintegrate.
Independent and distinct values are difi cult to maintain in a world where 'modern'
values are pervasive and persuasive. As a result, some indigenous societies seek to escape
these inl uences and protect 'traditional' values by isolating themselves and avoiding con-
tact with the outside world. An example is the 'Outstation Movement' which has been
embraced by many Australian aboriginal societies. This is a clear reaction to past adverse
experiences related to a wide range of issues/developments of which mining may be one.
Terms such as 'modern' can also carry an inherent bias. By common usage, 'modern'
carries connotations of contemporary, progressive, desirable, and benei cial. 'Traditional'
may also infer a sense of conservatism, the archaic and something that is 'past its time'.
It is therefore important not to allow attitudes or the language itself to build a negative
momentum in dealings between indigenous and non-indigenous groups. If we speak of
indigenous culture as 'traditional' while contrasting it to 'modern' Western or national
cultures, we help condemn indigenous ways and values to oblivion. It is possible to be con-
temporary and indigenous at the same time.