Master Students Associated to TriArc

Fredrik Juuso:

Fredrik Juuso is a GENI master student.

Abstract: In the more frequent contact between industries and indigenous peoples on their traditional lands in the Arctic region, there are increasing demands on dialogue and cooperation. From the indigenous peoples point of view, participation in this communication is not self-selected and can often be enforced in the light of losing more control over traditional lands. An example of this, and a common denominator between Sweden and Canada, is the large-scale forestry conducted on indigenous traditional lands which affect their livelihood in different ways. Seen through the lens of governance theory, this study will explore whether present policies in their respective countries provide conditions for agreements between different stakeholders. The study aims to answer the following overarching research questions: What are the governmental and non-governmental conditions for agreements between forestry and indigenous people on traditional indigenous land in Sweden and in Canada (British Columbia)?

Catherine Moriarity: 

Catherine Moriarity was a GENI master student.

Thesis Clyde River and the National Energy Board: The Prospects for Legal Reconciliation

Working Title – Clyde River, Nunavut and the Duty to Consult in Canada: Another Case of David and Goliath?

Despite the adoption of international legal norms on consultation, governments have favoured the interests of extractive industries over Indigenous rights to land and resources. In Canada, the Supreme Court has affirmed a federal duty to consult Aboriginal peoples in the context of resource development. In November 2016, the Indigenous community of Clyde River in Nunavut contested the federal government’s approval of seismic testing in their traditional sealing territories (Clyde River v. Geo-Petroleum Services, 2016). This case shows an increasing trend amongst Indigenous peoples in Canada of using the legal system as a final attempt to secure their rights to self-determination.

There is an academic debate as to the effectiveness of using national legal systems to assert Indigenous rights to land and resources (Coates & Poelzer, 2010; Anaya, 2005). Coates and Poelzer argue that using the legal system to strengthen rights to consultation can have the effect of creating partnerships that secure long-term benefits from resource development for Indigenous peoples in Canada (Coates & Poelzer, 2010).

Drawing on the work of Coats and Poelzer, I will examine how the Clyde River case can affect positive change on the duty to consult and Inuit demands for inclusion in extractive industries as a means of achieving self-determination. To do this, I will look at the development of the duty of the Crown to consult Indigenous peoples in extractive development. Secondly, I will aim to find out what Inuit hoped to achieve from consultation with the Crown and where their grievances lie. I argue that this case will contribute to solidifying an indigenous voice in the Canadian natural resource industry.

Horatio Sam-Aggrey:

Horatio Sam-Aggrey was a GENI master student.

Abstract: Northern Saskatchewan and northern Norway are two regions that have experienced parallel developments within the resource sector. However, there are key differences on how the two regions have implemented frameworks and regulations for mining development, management, and reclamation. Horatio's broad research interests include cross country comparison of regulations, practices, and the socio-economic impacts of extractive industries in Northern Norway and Northern Saskatchewan. The role of Social and Economic Impact Assessments (SEIAs), as part of the overall Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, in facilitating the adoption of robust policies for the social and economic sustainability in the Northern regions of Norway and Canada is another area of interest to Horatio.  All of these research areas would be assessed through the prism of the relationship among governments, industry, and local stakeholders.   Mine closure and reclamation plans, which have been integrated into the early mine planning process, is of considerable importance throughout the mine’s lifetime, both from a technical and a financial standpoint. Horatio's GENI internship project will provide an in-depth comparative study of post-mining land reclamation regimes in northern Norway and northern Saskatchewan. The project will highlight best practices and lessons that could improve reclamation in both regions.