Whose land, whose voice? Indigenous rights and the corporate pursuit of a social license in the Ring of Fire

Abstract

This thesis investigates the complexities surrounding the pursuit of a social license to operate (SLO) by mining companies in Canada's Ring of Fire region, particularly in the context of Indigenous relations and environmental stewardship. Through a content analysis methodology focusing on news articles, media reports, and public documents, the research critically examines corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts and evaluates how these initiatives align with Indigenous communities' expectations and legal frameworks such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and Canada's constitutional duty to consult. Findings reveal significant gaps between industry actions and community expectations, highlighting the challenges companies face in achieving meaningful engagement and genuine reconciliation. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that despite notable CSR investments and government incentives, the lack of true participatory processes and informed consent continues to impede sustainable development and community acceptance in the Ring of Fire. The research underscores the necessity of transitioning from transactional interactions to authentic partnerships to secure lasting social licenses.