Responsible mineral exploration is possible only through building and sustaining respectful, open, and long-lasting relationships built on trust and mutual understanding. As the largest private-sector employer of Indigenous peoples in remote communities, the mineral exploration and mining industry is uniquely positioned to support efforts toward reconciliation.

AME works with Indigenous groups to enable dialogue and understanding and to build the positive relationships that are integral to successful resource development. AME is recognized as a leader in Indigenous relations and community engagement for the mineral exploration industry. AME was an early advocate in recommending that governments share tax revenue generated from mining directly with local First Nations. British Columbia was the first province in Canada to introduce mineral resource revenue sharing on new mining projects and has placed a strong focus on community development to assist First Nations in achieving their social and economic goals.

AME is a founding partner of the BC Regional Mining Alliance, a regional partnership between Indigenous groups, industry and provincial government representatives.

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.

Guiding Principles

In conducting their activities, AME members should strive to:

  • Respect existing and asserted Aboriginal rights and title and treaty rights of Indigenous peoples.
  • Work proactively and continuously with Indigenous groups to build mutually beneficial relationships that advance reconciliation and that are based on trust, transparency, mutual respect and recognition.  
  • Respect the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Seek Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) wherever possible.
  • Engage early and frequently with Indigenous groups. Be responsive to concerns raised and transparent about activities that may affect Indigenous values and interests.  
  • Incorporate local and/or traditional Indigenous knowledge into socio-environmental studies and management plans. Be respectful of the nature of such information and maintain confidentiality when requested.
  • Provide potentially affected Indigenous groups with timely and accessible information needed to encourage open, meaningful and inclusive dialogue.
  • Respect the diversity of interests and cultures and traditions between Indigenous groups. Respect their diverse views towards land and its resources.
  • Encourage governments to carry out their duty to consult and accommodate in a manner that reasonably balances existing and asserted Aboriginal and treaty rights of Indigenous people with the interests of AME members.

The Gathering Place

The Gathering Place is where the mineral exploration industry and First Nations communities come together to engage in open and honest dialogue and to strengthen their relationships. AME Roundup 2022 will mark the 10th year of the Gathering Place. 

We have come a long way in building our relationships between Industry, Indigenous peoples, and Government.  While we have indeed made much progress we recognize that the path of reconciliation is more a journey than a destination.  This year we want to highlight those companies and communities who have taken exceptional steps along this path to work together and to prosper.

Lana Eagle

AME Roundup 2022 will be hosted from the unceded territories of the Coast Salish people, including the lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ /Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. People will be joining the conference in person and virtually from afar this year and so we acknowledge participation from the traditional territories of Nations throughout BC, Yukon and beyond.

MinEx Stories

Endurance Gold’s Modern Take on a Historic Gold Area

Endurance Gold’s Modern Take on a Historic Gold Area

Project profile by Carolyn Gruske When the Mount Meager volcano erupted about 2,400 years ago, it spewed white pumice ash in all directions, blanketing the landscape that is mode… Read More

105 Years of Learning

105 Years of Learning

For 105 years, the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) and its predecessors have been offering learning opportunities to the public and our members. It was in 1918 that the… Read More

Introducing: Indigenous Awareness Training Program

Introducing: Indigenous Awareness Training Program

Ama sa (good day), My name is Kate Wale, I am Gitxsan from Gitanmaax First Nation on my father’s side and settler-European on my mother’s side. I am writing this from, and am grateful… Read More

Indigenous-led Development Sets Copper King Up for Exploration Success

Indigenous-led Development Sets Copper King Up for Exploration Success

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Elder, Neil Leonard, has a clear vision for the exploration property he is developing on the traditional territory of his people: he wants to use a percenta… Read More

National Indigenous History Month | Resources for Explorers

National Indigenous History Month | Resources for Explorers

Every year, throughout the month of June, Canadians take the time to acknowledge and recognize the rich heritage, history, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and M… Read More

Weaving Two Worlds

Weaving Two Worlds

Less than a month ago, the Province of British Columbia published its Declaration Act Action Plan, a proposal to meet the objectives of the United Nations Declaration on the Right… Read More

AME Roundup 2022 Wrap-Up

AME Roundup 2022 Wrap-Up

British Columbia’s mineral exploration industry is rapidly evolving to meet the needs of a future low-carbon economy and develop more meaningful relationships with Indigenou… Read More

Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day!

Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day!

As part of National Indigenous History Month, which is the time to learn and recognize the history, heritage and diversity of Canada’s First Nations, Inuit and Métis peopl… Read More

Remote Roundup 2021 in 21 Memorable Quotes

Remote Roundup 2021 in 21 Memorable Quotes

Snippets of the important conversations that took place at AME’s first 100% virtual Roundup conference. “Responsible resource extraction is what we do.” – The Honorable Seamus… Read More