Carime Lechner Abstract

Carime Lechner
 Ph.D. Student
 American Indian Studies GIDP

 The 2015 Society of Mining, Metalurgy and Exploration Conference
 Annual Meeting & Exhibit- “Mining: Navigating the Global Waters
 Session: Environmental: Responsible Mining Environmental and Social Risks
 Denver, Colorado
 February 12-15, 2015

Abstract:

Tribal Consultation Mining Educational Module

Authors: C. Lechner*, K. Chief, and R.M. Maier

Today, tribes are asserting their sovereignty and governance regarding mining through various federal legislation that requires tribal negotiation and consultation.  Tribes are beginning to play an active role in the decision-making process to disapprove or approve mining proposals, because tribes are aware of the potential negative and positive impacts of mining.  Tribes are asserting sovereignty to work on regaining control of their natural resources. Combined with past traumatic experiences of exploitation, tensions continue to heighten when resource developers do not use proper tribal consultation in proposing and negotiating mining sites and activities. As tribal land is often desired for natural resource extraction, tribes have an urgent and critical need for legislation and information that can protect them from exploitation and understanding tribal consultation, negotiation, and mineral rights so they can make and informed decision about resource development on their lands and for their people.  A tribal consultation mining educational module is being developed for tribal colleges that include an understanding of tribal consultation, rights of indigenous peoples, United Nation Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, free, prior and informed consent, and tribal sovereignty. This module will provide tribal consultation and negotiation case studies, and consultation models from industry and tribal perspectives.  This stand alone educational module can be modified and adapted to different learning scenarios and objectives for different community college level learning environments, training for mining personnel, and has potential for use by impacted tribal communities. In addition to providing specialized knowledge, the modules feature hands-on activities, incorporation of technology, student and community involvement, discussion, and exchange of ideas.

Presenter Biography:

*Carime Lechner is a Fulbright scholar currently pursuing a PhD in American Indian Studies specializing on mining-induced sociocultural impacts and the consultation process between extractive industries and indigenous communities.