Mutual Respect & Trust
The mediation process also has the potential to contribute to the process of restoring relationships between Indigenous peoples and industry at a local level. Mediation brings together those who have an interest in the land over which native title is asserted. The mediation process attempts to reach agreements between the parties as to the recognition of each other's rights and interests and an understanding of how those rights are to be exercised in relation to one another.
Noel Bridge, Manager, Aboriginal Affairs, Normandy Ltd:
'The Normandy Group long recognised the need to build long term relationships, based on mutual respect and trust, with Aboriginal Communities and their representative organisations. Understanding and meeting the needs of Aboriginal communities, while meeting basic imperatives that govern the commercial parameters in which Normandy must operate was never going to be easy, and many lessons have been learnt ... It is fair to say that the window of opportunity to develop joint venture and/or co-operation agreements between Aboriginal custodians and their representatives and resources companies is still very much available ... Durable, dynamic agreements should be constructed which will result in feelings of equality and confidence for all parties concerned and hopefully the attainment of a win for all involved.'
Noel Bridge, Manager, Aboriginal Affairs, Normandy Ltd:
'The Normandy Group long recognised the need to build long term relationships, based on mutual respect and trust, with Aboriginal Communities and their representative organisations. Understanding and meeting the needs of Aboriginal communities, while meeting basic imperatives that govern the commercial parameters in which Normandy must operate was never going to be easy, and many lessons have been learnt ... It is fair to say that the window of opportunity to develop joint venture and/or co-operation agreements between Aboriginal custodians and their representatives and resources companies is still very much available ... Durable, dynamic agreements should be constructed which will result in feelings of equality and confidence for all parties concerned and hopefully the attainment of a win for all involved.'
Keywords: industry, mediation, Normandy Mining, recognition, reconciliation, 1996
Some perspectives on Aboriginal stakeholders and mining company Partnerships and the involvement of Representative Bodies, Land Rights Laws - Past, Present and Future, CLC/NLC Conference, 16-17 August 1996, p. 237.
Author: Strelein, Lisa
Author: Strelein, Lisa