The recent ‘rematriation’ of a Nisga’a memorial totem pole from Scotland, led by community leader Dr. Amy Parent, has value for the mining industry as it grapples with Indigenous rights and reconciliation.
Parent, an associate professor and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Education and Governance at Simon Fraser University, believes mining companies can benefit from educational initiatives that increase their employees’ awareness and understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and rights, leading to more culturally sensitive and inclusive practices.
Last year, Parent led a historic initiative for the Nisga’a Nation, successfully negotiating the return of a stolen memorial totem pole from the National Museum of Scotland. She highlights the difference between ‘repatriation’ and ‘rematriation,’ noting that for the matrilineal Nisga’a people, ‘repatriation’ doesn’t fully involve the return of cultural heritage.
She believes integrating Indigenous content, knowledge and academic principles into curricula can serve as a model for the mining industry. Parent shares insights into her work in conversation with The Northern Miner’s western editor, Henry Lazenby, during last month’s AME BC Roundup event in Vancouver.
Watch the full video here:
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