October 2007, The Centre for Australian Ethical Research (CAER) | Ethical Investment Research Services (EIRIS)
This briefing seeks to identify the risks and opportunities faced by companies with respect to managing indigenous rights issues and the ways in which these can materialise in the short to medium term for companies involved in resource sectors. The briefing also examines the policies and strategies relating to indigenous peoples adopted by seven companies operating in a range of sectors identified as high risk by EIRIS. Their management response is assessed against EIRIS indicators to determine the extent to which these risks are being mitigated.
The relationship between corporations and indigenous peoples is complex and often difficult. Companies and indigenous peoples look at the same landscape and see different things. A company will see the potential for harnessing resources to provide revenue and profits; indigenous peoples often see the land as integral to who they are – incorporating their culture, spirituality, history, social organisation, family, food security, economy, and health.
For companies, managing this balance of interests can present a significant challenge. Over recent years oil and gas companies in particular have experienced the enduring damage to reputation that stems from conflict with indigenous peoples.
The relationship between corporations and indigenous peoples is complex and often difficult. Companies and indigenous peoples look at the same landscape and see different things. A company will see the potential for harnessing resources to provide revenue and profits; indigenous peoples often see the land as integral to who they are – incorporating their culture, spirituality, history, social organisation, family, food security, economy, and health.
For companies, managing this balance of interests can present a significant challenge. Over recent years oil and gas companies in particular have experienced the enduring damage to reputation that stems from conflict with indigenous peoples.
