ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the policies and practices used by extractive industries with reference to Indigenous peoples’ issues within three Circumpolar North countries – Canada, Finland, and Russia. These three countries cover a substantial area of the Arctic and Subarctic and they have a substantial population of First and Indigenous Nations. It examines the approaches adopted by public regulation and industry to address the concerns of Indigenous peoples’ communities when it comes to the development of mineral deposits on or near their traditional territories. These countries actively pursue extractive industries projects in the Arctic regions, thus affecting both natural resources and the livelihood of Indigenous peoples. This chapter reviews concepts such as social impact assessment, impact and benefit agreements, social license to operate, and other mechanisms developed in the context of the mining sector.
