The mineral exploration and development sector is uniquely positioned to support economic reconciliation. Combined, mineral exploration and mining employ more Indigenous people than any other private sector in Canada, and mineral exploration contributes significantly to supporting Indigenous nations. For example, in 2022, $42 million was spent on First Nations community consultation and exploration agreements alone.
AME and our members support systems that are fair for all and that result in clear, timely decisions. We support our members in finding mutually positive ways to work with Indigenous nations when proposing development. This is done by providing resources that provide guidance to members to engage from the very earliest stages of mineral exploration. AME also funds and sponsors valuable Indigenous-led programs on behalf of our members.
AME is a founding partner of the BC Mining Alliance, a partnership between Indigenous groups, industry and provincial government representatives.
Strategy
AME’s strategy and workplans focus on creating pathways for Indigenous leadership and participation in mineral exploration and development.
Guiding Principles
The Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) recognizes that building and fostering respectful and sustainable relationships with Indigenous groups is good corporate practice, supports the principles of reconciliation and will assist its members with undertaking exploration.
Sharing Our Stories
Across the province, mineral explorers are working side-by-side with Indigenous groups to build trust and responsibly advance exploration and development projects. Sharing stories is a tool we can use to build relationships.
The Gathering Place
The Gathering Place is part of AME’s annual AME Roundup conference. It is a unique opportunity for the mineral exploration industry and First Nations communities come together to engage in open and honest dialogue and to strengthen their relationships.
AME Roundup is hosted on the traditional, unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations..
