Reconciliation Is a Journey, Not a Destination
For Teck Resources, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is not a corporate programme with a start and end date β it is a continuous journey rooted in respect, shared decision-making, and mutual benefit. Operating across the traditional territories of dozens of Indigenous nations in Canada, Chile, Peru, and Alaska, Teck recognises that meaningful reconciliation requires more than words: it demands structural change, genuine partnership, and accountability at every level of the organisation.
Our approach is guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, and the principles embedded in our own Indigenous Peoples Policy. We believe that the mining industry has both an obligation and an extraordinary opportunity to advance reconciliation in tangible, measurable ways.
Formal Agreements and Shared Governance
Teck has established formal Impact Benefit Agreements and collaboration agreements with more than 20 Indigenous communities across its operating regions. These agreements go far beyond financial compensation β they establish frameworks for joint environmental monitoring, employment and training commitments, procurement targets for Indigenous-owned businesses, and mechanisms for ongoing dialogue and dispute resolution.
At Highland Valley Copper in British Columbia, Teck works closely with the Nlaka'pamux and SecwΓ©pemc nations on environmental stewardship, cultural heritage protection, and workforce development. The operation has achieved significant milestones in Indigenous employment, with Indigenous peoples comprising a growing percentage of the site workforce.
- Employment and training β Targeted programmes to recruit, train, and advance Indigenous employees at all levels of the organisation.
- Business procurement β Over CAD 400 million in cumulative spending with Indigenous-owned businesses across Teck's Canadian operations.
- Environmental co-management β Joint monitoring programmes that integrate Indigenous traditional knowledge with western science to protect water, fish habitat, and culturally significant landscapes.
- Scholarship and education β Multi-year scholarship programmes supporting Indigenous students pursuing careers in science, engineering, environmental studies, and trades.
Cultural Heritage and Land Stewardship
Mining operations inevitably interact with landscapes that hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for Indigenous peoples. Teck is committed to identifying, protecting, and where appropriate co-managing cultural heritage sites near our operations. This includes archaeological assessments conducted in partnership with Indigenous knowledge keepers, protocols for the respectful treatment of ancestral remains and artefacts, and the incorporation of Indigenous place names and cultural markers into operational planning.
Our nature-positive commitment β conserving three hectares of land for every one mined β is implemented in close collaboration with Indigenous partners. Conservation lands are selected based on ecological value and cultural significance, ensuring that the lands protected reflect the priorities and values of the Indigenous communities closest to our operations.
Challenges and Honest Reflection
Reconciliation is not without challenges. Historical grievances, power imbalances, and the inherent tension between industrial development and land conservation require honest, sometimes difficult conversations. Teck does not claim to have all the answers, but we are committed to listening, learning, and adapting our approaches based on the feedback and guidance of our Indigenous partners.
We have established an Indigenous Advisory Council that provides independent guidance to senior leadership on reconciliation priorities, cultural competency, and community engagement strategies. This council includes respected Indigenous leaders, Elders, and youth representatives who bring diverse perspectives and lived experience to the table.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Ultimately, reconciliation in the mining sector is about building relationships that create lasting, equitable value for Indigenous communities and the broader Canadian economy. When done well, mining can be a powerful engine for Indigenous economic self-determination, environmental stewardship, and cultural revitalisation. Teck Resources is proud to walk this path alongside its Indigenous partners, and we remain committed to deepening these relationships for generations to come.