2015 - English - Academic
Brazil's Sao Luiz do Tapajos Dam: The art of c…
This article describes the limitations of state conducted Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) in the context of hydroelectric dams. The social and cultural impacts are not considered by Brazilian governments who frequently address consultation as a formality. The article advocates for greater consideration of EIA’s in decision-making processes.
2012 - English - Practical
The Achievement of Indigenous Internationalism
Canada's decision in 2010 to sign the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples represented much more than a change of federal government policies. The belated action, coming three years after the UN passed this historic agreement, marked the high point in the generations-long struggle for the recognition of Aboriginal rights.
2012 - English - Practical
Considering the Triple Bottom Line of Good Gov…
Good governance is a foundation of effective social development where Indigenous people contribute to re-development of the Fourth World. UNDRIP principles of participation and consent include Indigenous rights to participate in decision-making and consult using FPIC before adopting measures that affect them.
2013 - English - Practical
Forcing New Directions in Government Policy
Idle No More challenges to the integrity of the nation state and are not revolutionary. They call on the Government and people of Canada to share national wealth, to adhere to Canadian law, to negotiate new arrangements where existing treaties are insufficient, and to adjust national policy to better suit needs and aspirations.
2013 - English - Practical
UNDRIP: Shifting from Global Aspiration to Loc…
The core lesson in the creation of UNDRIP was simple: collective action by Indigenous peoples could force major changes in national and international law. The process of improving conditions for Indigenous peoples has now moved to a different level. The socio-economic and cultural problems of Indigenous have been described globally, really for the…
2015 - English - Practical
Adapting Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FP…
This paper examines how FPIC has been applied in three projects in Vietnam and highlights two key lessons: 1) FPIC is likely to be more accepted by the government if it is built upon the national legal framework on citizen rights. 2) FPIC activities should be seen as a learning process and designed based on local needs and preferences.