1. THE WIDER COMMUNITY
Section 1.4 - Indigenous Communities
Principles
1.4.P.1
Where, in a specific national context, there exists constitutional
legislation, or where recognized agreements exist, determining
policies of reconciliation with indigenous peoples, nations
or communities, the company seeks to develop its policies
in accordance with that legislation or agreement.
1.4.P.2
The company where it operates in post-conflict and/or oppressive
situations seeks to implement existing policies of reconciliation
where they are in place.
1.4.P.3
The company respects the cultural, religious and social customs
and traditional knowledge of members of indigenous communities.
1.4.P.4
The company strives to contribute to the long-term environmental,
social, cultural, and economic sustainability of the indigenous
peoples, nations or communities in which it operates.
1.4.P.5
The company respects the bio-cultural integrity of indigenous
peoples and their lands and traditions.
1.4.P.6
The company only pursues economic development upon prior resolution
and completion of the settlement of land claims between the
indigenous people (or First Nation) and the appropriate government(s).
1.4.P.7
The development of joint working agreements between indigenous
communities and companies is a prerequisite to building business
relationships and commitments.
1.4.P.8
Indigenous peoples, by virtue of their inherent rights, are
entitled to full participation in the business decisions which
pertain to their ancestral lands and their way of life.
1.4.P.9
The company is committed to respecting fully the rights of
indigenous peoples as they are recognized by the appropriate
jurisdictions and laws.
1.4.P.10
The company respects indigenous medicines and medical practices.
Criteria
1.4.C.1
The company seeks to develop long-term business relationships
in indigenous communities and does not terminate its operations
without assessing the long-term environmental, social, cultural
and economic sustainability impacts on the indigenous community.
1.4.C.2
The company communicates its business plans in a way that
the local indigenous community can understand and seeks to
be actively involved in the development of indigenous businesses.
1.4.C.3.
The company seeks and receives approval from the legitimate
local indigenous leadership prior to beginning any business
activities.
1.4.C.4
The company, with the co-operation of the indigenous peoples
concerned, performs a holistic comprehensive study of its
potential environmental, physical, social, economic, cultural
and spiritual impact on the community and modifies its business
plan to ameliorate potential harm.
1.4.C.5
The company negotiates a just and equitable economic settlement
with the indigenous community(ies) involved, including adequate
compensation where applicable.
1.4.C.6
The company's employment policies and practices fully accommodate
the cultural, spiritual and social needs of employees who
are members of indigenous communities.
1.4.C.7
The company develops a transparent process for the inclusion
of indigenous peoples as full participants in business decisions.
1.4.C.8
The company provides employment and training opportunities
for, and actively recruits from, indigenous communities for
all levels of employment.
1.4.C.9
The company provides opportunities for all its employees to
obtain an understanding of indigenous culture, treaties, history
and current issues.
Bench Marks
1.4.B.1
The company, through its programmes, policies, practices,
and communications implements the principles expressed in
the International Conventions on Human Rights, Agenda 21 and
the International Labour Organisation Convention Concerning
Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries, Convention
169.
1.4.B.2
The company adheres to the International Convention on Bio-Diversity
and ensures the protection of bio-cultural integrity and intellectual
property rights of the indigenous community(ies).
1.4.B.3
The company, as a matter of policy, refrains from litigation
that obstructs the implementation of the recognized rights
of indigenous peoples and respect of local customs and traditions.
1.4.B.4
The company, as a matter of policy, refrains from using any
imagery, which is offensive to the indigenous community in
product marketing, advertising, endorsements, sponsorships
and promotions.
1.4.B.5
The company's business plans, and its employment policies
and practices are communicated clearly and are available in
indigenous languages in both written and oral form.
1.4.B.6
The company, together with the legitimate representatives
of the indigenous community jointly establishes clear decision-making
processes and structures with a recognized programme that
monitors their implementation.