Mining The Gap: Aboriginal Women and the Mining Industry

Abstract

Based upon a synthesis of views and perspectives extracted from published studies on the matter, Canadian Aboriginal women were found to have the following views on the role and effects of extractive industries in their communities: (1) Aboriginal women are sensitive to the social ills presented by the wage labour relationship between Aboriginal workers and extractive industries. Specifically, they are concerned about the extent to which this economic activity can contribute to substance abuse and domestic stress, and how wage labour reduces the time and motivation for community members to engage in cultural practices and shared family experiences. (2) Aboriginal women are concerned about the effects of extractive industry activities on the environment and therefore on traditional practices that rely on maintaining the integrity of the environment. (3) Aboriginal women wish to have a formal role in partnerships between industry, government and communities for the purposes of establishing legally binding protections of their rights.