Respecting Indigenous rights and customs

We seek to operate in a manner consistent with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which recognises the right of Indigenous Peoples to “maintain and strengthen their distinctive spiritual relationship with their traditionally owned or otherwise occupied and used lands, territories, waters and coastal seas and other resources” (Article 25).

Our Communities and Social Performance Standard requires our operations to demonstrate progress towards, or achievement of, free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) of affected Indigenous and land-connected communities across all phases of the asset lifecycle, in accordance with the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) Indigenous Peoples and Mining Position Statement.

To help our people respect Indigenous rights and customs, we have developed a Communities Language Guide to guide respectful and inclusive language and terminology when engaging with and referring to Indigenous communities and individuals. We have also developed an internal protocol for the use of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (Australia) to ensure we follow appropriate processes when commissioning or reproducing Indigenous design or artwork within our business and engaging in Indigenous art and design projects.

Truth and reconciliation

The relationships we have with Indigenous Peoples, including the agreements we have with Traditional Owners of the lands on which we operate, are a priority for us. This includes a focus on promoting greater recognition and inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making processes, particularly relating to our mining operations and the impact on Indigenous lands and communities.

We are committed to meaningful engagement, trust, mutual benefit, and genuine understanding of Indigenous Peoples’ views and interests and believe the people to guide Indigenous policy and practice are Indigenous Peoples themselves.

As one of the largest employers of Indigenous Australians and a company that operates on the lands of Indigenous Peoples, we have long supported constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians. We supported the “Recognise” campaign in 2015, through to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the 2023 referendum for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples voice in the Constitution. 

We continue to create learning opportunities for our people to raise awareness about the history, culture and rights of Indigenous Peoples. We celebrate and commemorate observance days and events such as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and National History month in Canada, NAIDOC Week in Australia and International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

Supporting local communities and businesses

We have a long history of partnering on local and national community initiatives and we support local businesses, employ local people and buy local products – especially from Indigenous, small and regional businesses. Read more on sustainable procurement.

Our commitment to Indigenous Australia

In Australia, we have a program of work focussed on increasing Indigenous leadership, participation and improving the cultural competency of our workforce. Our aim is to create a diverse and culturally safe work environment where Indigenous Peoples feel respected and safe – spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically.

Indigenous leadership

Through our Indigenous Leadership Program, we focus on accelerating and empowering Indigenous leaders in the business. To help grow Indigenous leadership, we are improving pathways to employment, increasing the number of employment opportunities and providing positive experiences for current and future employees so they can actively grow their career.

As of the end of 2024, we have 61 Indigenous leaders in our business in Australia, in areas such as Finance, Information Technology, Human Resources, Projects, Legal, Commercial, Government Relations, Risk and Audit. And these Indigenous leaders sit at the decision-making tables, contributing to the future direction of our company.

Indigenous participation

Our Aboriginal Training and Liaison (ATAL) program in the Pilbara, Western Australia is a work-ready program, co-designed with Traditional Owners, focused on empowering participants to develop skills for ongoing employment in different jobs and industries in the region.

Cultural competency

To create an inclusive, culturally safe and respectful environment for Indigenous Peoples we need to ensure our employees have a good understanding of the culture, heritage and history of Indigenous Peoples in Australia.

Our Cultural Connection program helps our leaders grow their knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture and how to build strong trusted relationships with Indigenous employees and communities.

We also have regional-specific cultural awareness training in our product groups and assets which complements our Australia-wide program.

Living Language Living Cultures

We acknowledge the significance of culture to Indigenous Peoples and know it can positively impact health, education, and overall wellbeing. Our Living Languages, Living Cultures program is investing in preserving, reviving, and celebrating Indigenous cultures.

We are working together with several partners to restore and preserve Indigenous cultures, ensuring their continuation and contribution to the empowerment and wellbeing of Indigenous communities across Australia.

Australian Advisory Group

We established the Australian Advisory Group (AAG) in 2022 to provide independent expert advice to our senior executives on matters impacting our relationship with Indigenous Peoples and communities in Australia. In 2024, discussions focused on care for Country and culture, complex social transitions, and implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Read more about our commitment to Indigenous Australia.

Our commitment to Indigenous North America

In Canada, we are focused on identifying and addressing the recruitment opportunities and barriers for Indigenous Peoples, particularly Innu First Nations Peoples. We have established employment and training committees in partnership with Indigenous job placement agencies and we have revised our recruitment process, including hiring criteria, pre-employment checks and verification processes.

In 2024, we expanded our Indigenous leadership program in Australia and are taking our learning from that program to inform initiatives in Canada in 2025.