Constructive dialogue is the cornerstone of our engagement approach with Indigenous peoples in the areas where we have operations and exploration projects. Barrick’s overarching engagement approach is based on the principles of respect and the development of long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.
Our Indigenous partners include the Diaguita of the Huasco Alto near our Pascua-Lama project in Chile, the Wiradjuri Condobolin community near the Cowal mine in Australia, Western Shoshone tribes in rural Nevada, the Tahltan First Nation at the Eskay Creek mine in British Columbia and Alaska Native communities neighboring the Donlin Creek project.
Our engagement activities are adapted to local realities, culture and history, and to the specific needs of our projects and the individual Indigenous communities affected by our operations. Barrick’s commitments often include sustainable land use planning and management programs, environmental monitoring, employment and procurement opportunities for Indigenous people, as well as formal collaboration agreements and memorandums of understanding.
For example, the Cortez Mine in Nevada has engaged with Western Shoshone Tribal leaders and community members for many years. In July 2008, Barrick reached an historic Collaborative Agreement with elected leaders of four of the five Western Shoshone tribes in Nevada to work in partnership to improve education and health, business and employment opportunities, and awareness of Native American culture. The Agreement establishes a Western Shoshone Educational Legacy Fund tied directly to revenues from the Cortez Hills mining project, which will benefit generations of Western Shoshone.
Read: U.S. government approves Nevada Cortez Hills mine project
Historic agreement reached with Western Shoshone tribes
Consistent with our commitment to direct and open engagement, Barrick convenes frequent dialogue sessions open to all Western Shoshone community members. These forums provide a constructive process for sharing information on the mine, community updates, addressing issues of concern and helping to create an environment of cooperation. Many Western Shoshone community members participate in wide-ranging educational, economic and community wellness opportunities generated by our mining activities.
Read about Barrick's engagement with the Western Shoshone of Nevada.
Read about cultural preservation and cross-cultural understanding initiatives developed in collaboration with our Indigenous partners.
Barrick is a member of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM). Read about ICMM’s resources on engagement with Indigenous Peoples.