Indigenous Peoples
Respect for Indigenous peoples means doing things with them, not for them. Indigenous Peoples would like to be respected, valued, and involved in deciding how their territory and resources should be developed (or not) to protect the elements that define their identity (spirituality, language, culture, livelihood, and traditional knowledge/Mātauranga Māori) and that are crucial for the resilience of their communities and preservation of their culture.
Engagement based on a philosophy of co-learning and co-management is appropriate to ensure that indigenous rights and interests are fully considered in the assessment of impacts and the development of mitigation and enhancement measures. The holistic outlook of indigenous peoples can enhance the integration of social and cultural impacts in IA and provide new biological and ecological insights.
Impact Assessment practitioners should:
Engagement based on a philosophy of co-learning and co-management is appropriate to ensure that indigenous rights and interests are fully considered in the assessment of impacts and the development of mitigation and enhancement measures. The holistic outlook of indigenous peoples can enhance the integration of social and cultural impacts in IA and provide new biological and ecological insights.
Impact Assessment practitioners should:
- Ensure that equality, trust, and respect are the foundation of all interactions.
- Use participatory impact assessment methods that include traditional customs, protocols, etiquette and decision-making processes that do not marginalize or demean indigenous and local ways of knowing.
- Provide sufficient time to allow processes to take place without duress or unreasonable time pressure.
- Identify and implement culturally appropriate protocols for all aspects involved in acquiring, using, and sharing of traditional knowledge/Mātauranga Māori.
- Collaborate with indigenous and local communities to identify their dependency on the ecosystem goods and services that development might affect, and to determine thresholds, major constraints, and high risk areas.
Aotearoa
Cultural Impact assessment Toolkit Dr Keri Wikitera
Dr Keri Wikitera is an independent researcher and was formerly a senior lecturer at AUT University. With expertise in social history, indigenous studies, business, and Māori development, she has a rich interdisciplinary background. Her tribal affiliations are Tūhourangi-Ngāti Wahiao and Ngāti Whakaue iwi of Te Arawa, both of which are based in the Rotorua region and play a significant role in New Zealand’s Māori tourism sector. Her personal and academic interests therefore have had an indigenous tourism focus including the study of indigenous history and knowledge systems. Her most recent research involved developing a Cultural Impact Assessment toolkit for the Better Building Homes, Towns, and Cities programme.
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Te Kete Tātari Kawekawe Tikanga - Cultural Impact Assessment Toolkit
This Cultural Impact Assessment Toolkit provides a kete of knowledge and practical guidelines. Designed to enhance planning and decision making. The toolkit provides he whakataunga/solutions in striving to ensure equitable access to quality housing in thriving, culturally diverse communities and to influence change for the ongoing development of housing environments. The relevance of housing, home security, community development and thriving neighbourhoods is integral to the celebration of the Treaty of Waitangi and the recognition of mana Māori in Aotearoa. Ensuring access to safe, affordable, and culturally appropriate housing is essential for the overall wellbeing of Māori communities. By honouring the principles of the Treaty in housing policies, addressing housing inequities, and actively involving Māori in decision-making processes, we can uplift the housing conditions and security for Māori whānau. Recognising the importance of housing as a fundamental right contributes to the preservation of Māori culture, identity, and interconnectedness with the land. It reinforces the notion of home as a sanctuary and a source of strength for Māori individuals and communities. |
Te Whakatere I te Pānga Ahurea - Building Better
This literature review provided the background research to develop the Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA) Toolkit publication as part of the Better Building Homes, Towns and Cities Research programme. CIA related to Māori housing and aspirations articulate the necessity of cultural values-based planning, historical analysis and privileging the voices of Māori to regain the mana and integrity implicit in community development, regulatory provisions and the conditions necessary for building ‘homes’ as opposed to building ’houses.’ Largely applied to facilitate environmental understandings to ensure effective participation of Māori in impact assessment and planning work by agencies such as town or city councils. |
The following summaries were generated by AI, with occasional human intervention to improve readability or sense. ChatGPT was asked to "Summarise in about 100 words, including author, date, number of pages, and source, but not the title, the following:..." . The purpose is to provide basic information to allow users to decide whether the source is likely to meet their needs. Note that the presence of resources on this website does not indicate endorsement by NZAIA.
EIANZ Guidance Note - Practicing Ethically with Respect to the Rights and Interests of Indigenous Peoples
This guidance was prepared by the Indigenous Engagement Working Group of the Environmental Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) and published on 31 March 2022. Spanning 11 pages, it offers concise, values-based advice for environmental professionals. The document outlines key responsibilities—recognizing and upholding Indigenous rights under domestic and international law; integrating traditional knowledge alongside Western science; ensuring genuine participation in decision‑making; observing culturally appropriate engagement protocols; securing informed consent for use of cultural information; and committing to capacity-building and ongoing learning.
This guidance was prepared by the Indigenous Engagement Working Group of the Environmental Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) and published on 31 March 2022. Spanning 11 pages, it offers concise, values-based advice for environmental professionals. The document outlines key responsibilities—recognizing and upholding Indigenous rights under domestic and international law; integrating traditional knowledge alongside Western science; ensuring genuine participation in decision‑making; observing culturally appropriate engagement protocols; securing informed consent for use of cultural information; and committing to capacity-building and ongoing learning.
Cultural Impact Assessments
This link goes to the Quality Planning website page on Cultural Impact Assessments. In summary, a Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA) is a technical report that identifies Māori cultural values, interests, and potential effects of proposed activities on them. While not legally required, CIAs help applicants and councils meet obligations under the Resource Management Act (RMA), particularly during consent and planning processes. Related tools include Cultural Values Reports (CVRs), which outline cultural associations without linking to specific activities. CIAs and CVRs support informed decision-making, especially for nationally significant projects. The website has links to CIA and CVR example.
This link goes to the Quality Planning website page on Cultural Impact Assessments. In summary, a Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA) is a technical report that identifies Māori cultural values, interests, and potential effects of proposed activities on them. While not legally required, CIAs help applicants and councils meet obligations under the Resource Management Act (RMA), particularly during consent and planning processes. Related tools include Cultural Values Reports (CVRs), which outline cultural associations without linking to specific activities. CIAs and CVRs support informed decision-making, especially for nationally significant projects. The website has links to CIA and CVR example.
He Tirohanga ö Kawa ki te Tiriti o Waitangi: A Guide to the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi as expressed by the Courts and the Waitangi Tribunal
This guide was authored by Te Puni Kōkiri (New Zealand Government) and published in March 2001. The 156-page booklet, prepared for policy analysts, presents the Treaty’s English and Māori texts, examines its constitutional and legal status, and reviews key jurisprudence from the Courts and Waitangi Tribunal. It details historical background, core principles (e.g. kāwanatanga, tino rangatiratanga, and taonga), and outlines how these principles inform policy-making and legal interpretation today. Produced in Wellington and available via Te Puni Kōkiri’s official website, it serves as a definitive resource on applying Treaty principles in public policy.
This guide was authored by Te Puni Kōkiri (New Zealand Government) and published in March 2001. The 156-page booklet, prepared for policy analysts, presents the Treaty’s English and Māori texts, examines its constitutional and legal status, and reviews key jurisprudence from the Courts and Waitangi Tribunal. It details historical background, core principles (e.g. kāwanatanga, tino rangatiratanga, and taonga), and outlines how these principles inform policy-making and legal interpretation today. Produced in Wellington and available via Te Puni Kōkiri’s official website, it serves as a definitive resource on applying Treaty principles in public policy.
Working with tāngata whenua - Inspiring Communities Guide
This six‑page resource from Inspiring Communities (January 2018) outlines why forging relationships with tangata whenua—local Māori hapū/iwi—is fundamental to community-led development (CLD) in Aotearoa. It opens by explaining the Treaty-based foundations of equitable partnerships, then offers three practical tools: reflection questions to prepare for engagement, a set of guiding principles adapted from the Kia Tūtahi Relationship Accord, and five tips for working well alongside Māori, developed by Atawhai Tibble. Each section emphasizes respectful dialogue, cultural awareness, and shared decision-making. Taken from an NGO best‑practice guidance PDF by Inspiring Communities. Source: Inspiring Communities website.
This six‑page resource from Inspiring Communities (January 2018) outlines why forging relationships with tangata whenua—local Māori hapū/iwi—is fundamental to community-led development (CLD) in Aotearoa. It opens by explaining the Treaty-based foundations of equitable partnerships, then offers three practical tools: reflection questions to prepare for engagement, a set of guiding principles adapted from the Kia Tūtahi Relationship Accord, and five tips for working well alongside Māori, developed by Atawhai Tibble. Each section emphasizes respectful dialogue, cultural awareness, and shared decision-making. Taken from an NGO best‑practice guidance PDF by Inspiring Communities. Source: Inspiring Communities website.
Indigenous Maori Knowledge and Perspectives of Ecosystems
Garth R. Harmsworth (Te Arawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa) and Shaun Awatere (Ngāti Porou) wrote this chapter in the edited volume Ecosystem Services in New Zealand – Conditions and Trends, published by Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, November 2013 (pages 274–286). It presents a framework grounded in mātauranga Māori, distinguishing “cultural values” from “cultural services” within the ecosystem services model. It highlights the interdependence of Māori well-being and ecosystems, and advocates for incorporating Māori aspirations into environmental decision-making via treaty-based planning, cultural monitoring, and governance structures. The source is a publicly available PDF from Landcare Research.
Garth R. Harmsworth (Te Arawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa) and Shaun Awatere (Ngāti Porou) wrote this chapter in the edited volume Ecosystem Services in New Zealand – Conditions and Trends, published by Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, November 2013 (pages 274–286). It presents a framework grounded in mātauranga Māori, distinguishing “cultural values” from “cultural services” within the ecosystem services model. It highlights the interdependence of Māori well-being and ecosystems, and advocates for incorporating Māori aspirations into environmental decision-making via treaty-based planning, cultural monitoring, and governance structures. The source is a publicly available PDF from Landcare Research.
State of Play: Māori engagement in infrastructure – Māori – infrastructure provider engagement
Authored by Clare Sinnott (with peer review by Alannah Bradbury, Chetana Dehya, and feedback from Te Arawhiti and others), this Wellington‑based Te Waihanga report -- for the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission - Te Waihanga -- was published in 2024 and spans roughly 40 pages. It examines how infrastructure providers engage with Māori, highlighting the sector’s diversity, complexity and evolving nature. Key themes include the importance of relationship-building, cultural knowledge, tailored engagement approaches, and trust‑based, long‑term partnerships. It identifies practical challenges—such as capacity constraints, governance clarity, digital readiness, and coordination—and suggests that genuine, tikanga‑aware engagement backed by adequate time and resources delivers better outcomes for both Māori and infrastructure interests.
Authored by Clare Sinnott (with peer review by Alannah Bradbury, Chetana Dehya, and feedback from Te Arawhiti and others), this Wellington‑based Te Waihanga report -- for the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission - Te Waihanga -- was published in 2024 and spans roughly 40 pages. It examines how infrastructure providers engage with Māori, highlighting the sector’s diversity, complexity and evolving nature. Key themes include the importance of relationship-building, cultural knowledge, tailored engagement approaches, and trust‑based, long‑term partnerships. It identifies practical challenges—such as capacity constraints, governance clarity, digital readiness, and coordination—and suggests that genuine, tikanga‑aware engagement backed by adequate time and resources delivers better outcomes for both Māori and infrastructure interests.
Good practice guidelines for working with tangata whenua and Māori organisations: Consolidating our learning
Written by G.R. Harmsworth and published by Landcare Research in 2005, this 56‑page PDF offers “good practice guidelines” for engaging with tangata whenua and Māori organisations training.oahurcd.org+9researchgate.net+9icm.landcareresearch.co.nz+9. It consolidates learnings on co‑production, emphasising principles such as face‑to‑face engagement, respect for tikanga and mana whenua, and trust‑building. The document outlines structured processes—from identifying appropriate iwi/hapū representatives, through developing tikanga‑based protocols, to maintaining long‑term resourcing and capacity. It also provides practical tools for collaboration in environmental planning, promoting Māori worldviews and mātauranga in decision‑making.
Written by G.R. Harmsworth and published by Landcare Research in 2005, this 56‑page PDF offers “good practice guidelines” for engaging with tangata whenua and Māori organisations training.oahurcd.org+9researchgate.net+9icm.landcareresearch.co.nz+9. It consolidates learnings on co‑production, emphasising principles such as face‑to‑face engagement, respect for tikanga and mana whenua, and trust‑building. The document outlines structured processes—from identifying appropriate iwi/hapū representatives, through developing tikanga‑based protocols, to maintaining long‑term resourcing and capacity. It also provides practical tools for collaboration in environmental planning, promoting Māori worldviews and mātauranga in decision‑making.
An indigenous community-based monitoring system for assessing forest health in New Zealand.
Lyver, P.O.B., Timoti, P., Jones, C.J. et al. An indigenous community-based monitoring system for assessing forest health in New Zealand. Biodivers Conserv 26, 3183–3212 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-016-1142-6
Paper abstract: The underlying ethos of ‘nature’s benefits’ contributing to human wellbeing provides a common platform for understanding the function and value of biodiversity for stakeholders. Diverse societal worldviews however create differences in the way cultures relate to and understand the environment. The objective of this study was to identify community-based indicators and metrics used by Māori in New Zealand to monitor forest health and community wellbeing. Eighty semi-directed interviews were conducted with 55 forest users within the Tuawhenua tribal group to identify forest health indicators and associated gradient of metrics to assess each indicator. Indicators were grouped within nine culturally-relevant themes: (1) food procurement (mahinga kai), (2) natural productivity (hua o te whenua), (3) nature of water (āhua o te wai), (4) nature of the land (āhua o te whenua), (5) nature of the forest (āhua o te ngahere), (6) perpetual occupation of land and place (ahikaaroa), (7) spiritual dimension (taha wairua), (8) physical health (taha kikokiko), and (9) mental health (taha hinengaro). Within these themes, indicators and associated metrics were aligned within two monitoring approaches: field survey and interview-based. Community members (n = 35 individuals) were asked to prioritise field survey indicators using a seven point Likert Scale of importance. A second survey was also conducted with Tuawhenua elders (n = 43 individuals) to determine changes in the frequency of forest use by the community. A decline in the proportion of the community venturing into the forest over the last 60 years for activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, and collecting plant resources was reported. This decline in regular forest use suggests a field survey approach would be an effective method for applying community-based indicators and to gain an understanding of forest health. Forest indicators that are evaluated over a longer timeframe (months, seasons or even years), or those indicators aligned with community wellbeing, would be better evaluated using an interview-based approach. The alignment of some community-based indicators with scientific-based measures would enrich and deepen knowledge about the state of biodiversity, broaden the relevance of monitoring and reporting within indigenous communities, and help to mitigate issues of ‘shifting baselines’.
Lyver, P.O.B., Timoti, P., Jones, C.J. et al. An indigenous community-based monitoring system for assessing forest health in New Zealand. Biodivers Conserv 26, 3183–3212 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-016-1142-6
Paper abstract: The underlying ethos of ‘nature’s benefits’ contributing to human wellbeing provides a common platform for understanding the function and value of biodiversity for stakeholders. Diverse societal worldviews however create differences in the way cultures relate to and understand the environment. The objective of this study was to identify community-based indicators and metrics used by Māori in New Zealand to monitor forest health and community wellbeing. Eighty semi-directed interviews were conducted with 55 forest users within the Tuawhenua tribal group to identify forest health indicators and associated gradient of metrics to assess each indicator. Indicators were grouped within nine culturally-relevant themes: (1) food procurement (mahinga kai), (2) natural productivity (hua o te whenua), (3) nature of water (āhua o te wai), (4) nature of the land (āhua o te whenua), (5) nature of the forest (āhua o te ngahere), (6) perpetual occupation of land and place (ahikaaroa), (7) spiritual dimension (taha wairua), (8) physical health (taha kikokiko), and (9) mental health (taha hinengaro). Within these themes, indicators and associated metrics were aligned within two monitoring approaches: field survey and interview-based. Community members (n = 35 individuals) were asked to prioritise field survey indicators using a seven point Likert Scale of importance. A second survey was also conducted with Tuawhenua elders (n = 43 individuals) to determine changes in the frequency of forest use by the community. A decline in the proportion of the community venturing into the forest over the last 60 years for activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, and collecting plant resources was reported. This decline in regular forest use suggests a field survey approach would be an effective method for applying community-based indicators and to gain an understanding of forest health. Forest indicators that are evaluated over a longer timeframe (months, seasons or even years), or those indicators aligned with community wellbeing, would be better evaluated using an interview-based approach. The alignment of some community-based indicators with scientific-based measures would enrich and deepen knowledge about the state of biodiversity, broaden the relevance of monitoring and reporting within indigenous communities, and help to mitigate issues of ‘shifting baselines’.
Te Mana o Te Wai guidance
This link goes to the Our Land and Water website. "A new collection of practical resources aim to guide the implementation of Te Mana o te Wai, the concept that puts the wellbeing of water itself as the priority for freshwater management under the National Policy Statement on Freshwater 2020."
This link goes to the Our Land and Water website. "A new collection of practical resources aim to guide the implementation of Te Mana o te Wai, the concept that puts the wellbeing of water itself as the priority for freshwater management under the National Policy Statement on Freshwater 2020."
Summary review of mātauranga Māori frameworks, approaches, and culturally appropriate monitoring tools for management of mahinga kai
Written by Shaun Awatere and Garth Harmsworth (Landcare Research) in 2014, this approximately 45-page report offers a comprehensive review of kā kaupapa Māori frameworks, approaches, and culturally appropriate monitoring tools used for managing mahinga kai. It synthesises existing mātauranga Māori-based models—such as Cultural Health Index, State of Takiwā, Mauri frameworks, and Wai Ora Wai Māori—and evaluates their alignment with national freshwater policy. The authors emphasise tangata whenua-led processes, integration of tikanga, capacity building, and co‑governance with councils. The review highlights gaps in practical guidance for embedding mahinga kai values and recommends strengthening mātauranga Māori integration in environmental planning. Source: Landcare Research contract report via University of Waikato.
Written by Shaun Awatere and Garth Harmsworth (Landcare Research) in 2014, this approximately 45-page report offers a comprehensive review of kā kaupapa Māori frameworks, approaches, and culturally appropriate monitoring tools used for managing mahinga kai. It synthesises existing mātauranga Māori-based models—such as Cultural Health Index, State of Takiwā, Mauri frameworks, and Wai Ora Wai Māori—and evaluates their alignment with national freshwater policy. The authors emphasise tangata whenua-led processes, integration of tikanga, capacity building, and co‑governance with councils. The review highlights gaps in practical guidance for embedding mahinga kai values and recommends strengthening mātauranga Māori integration in environmental planning. Source: Landcare Research contract report via University of Waikato.
International
Akwé: Kon Voluntary guidelines for the conduct of cultural, environmental and social impact assessments regarding developments proposed to take place on, or which are likely to impact on, sacred sites and on lands and waters traditionally occupied or used by indigenous and local communities
This 25 page brochure was issued in 2004 by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. It outlines voluntary guidelines designed to assist governments, developers, and financial institutions in conducting integrated cultural, environmental and social impact assessments for proposed developments that may affect sacred sites or lands and waters traditionally used by Indigenous and local communities. The document introduces a ten-step process emphasizing the full participation of affected communities, respecting customary practices, languages, social organization, and resource use, and advocating prevention of adverse impacts before they occur.
This 25 page brochure was issued in 2004 by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. It outlines voluntary guidelines designed to assist governments, developers, and financial institutions in conducting integrated cultural, environmental and social impact assessments for proposed developments that may affect sacred sites or lands and waters traditionally used by Indigenous and local communities. The document introduces a ten-step process emphasizing the full participation of affected communities, respecting customary practices, languages, social organization, and resource use, and advocating prevention of adverse impacts before they occur.
The Aashukan Declaration
The Declaration was produced by the Indigenous Peoples Section of the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) in collaboration with Niskamoon Corporation and participants from the Aashukan Exchange. It was released in April 2017 and is approximately 4 pages long (based on typical declaration length). Hosted in Waskaganish, Québec during the IAIA annual conference, it sets out Indigenous-led principles for conducting impact assessments on traditional lands. It stresses respect for Indigenous rights, worldviews, languages, and customary governance; mandates genuine free, prior and informed consent; and advocates for equitable participation of affected communities in decision-making.
The Declaration was produced by the Indigenous Peoples Section of the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) in collaboration with Niskamoon Corporation and participants from the Aashukan Exchange. It was released in April 2017 and is approximately 4 pages long (based on typical declaration length). Hosted in Waskaganish, Québec during the IAIA annual conference, it sets out Indigenous-led principles for conducting impact assessments on traditional lands. It stresses respect for Indigenous rights, worldviews, languages, and customary governance; mandates genuine free, prior and informed consent; and advocates for equitable participation of affected communities in decision-making.
Guidelines for incorporating traditional knowledge in environmental impact assessment
The document was published in 2005 by the Mackenzie Valley Review Board and comprises approximately 40 pages (927 KB PDF). It provides guidance for integrating Indigenous traditional knowledge (TK) into environmental impact assessments within the Mackenzie Valley. Developed through consultations with Indigenous communities, it outlines best practices such as establishing culturally appropriate protocols, fostering reciprocal relationships between TK holders and assessors, ensuring free, prior, and informed consent, and co-developing methods to document, review, and apply TK in project assessments. Its objective is to ensure that TK is meaningfully respected and incorporated in decision-making processes. The PDF is available from the Review Board’s official website.
The document was published in 2005 by the Mackenzie Valley Review Board and comprises approximately 40 pages (927 KB PDF). It provides guidance for integrating Indigenous traditional knowledge (TK) into environmental impact assessments within the Mackenzie Valley. Developed through consultations with Indigenous communities, it outlines best practices such as establishing culturally appropriate protocols, fostering reciprocal relationships between TK holders and assessors, ensuring free, prior, and informed consent, and co-developing methods to document, review, and apply TK in project assessments. Its objective is to ensure that TK is meaningfully respected and incorporated in decision-making processes. The PDF is available from the Review Board’s official website.
Human rights, Indigenous peoples and the concept of Free, Prior and Informed Consent
Philippe Hanna and Frank Vanclay, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 2013, Vol. 31,
Abstract from the paper: The human right to self-determination is enacted in various international treaties and conventions. In order to facilitate self- determination, it is necessary to provide Indigenous peoples with opportunities to participate in decision-making and project development. The obligation for governments and companies to engage impacted communities is recognized in
international law, especially with the principle of ‘Free, Prior and Informed Consent’, which is outlined in the United
Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and in the International Labour Organization Convention 169. The
encounter between human rights, Indigenous peoples and mining and other extractive industries is discussed, especially as it
is has played out in Brazil. We recommend that companies should fully endorse and respect these internationally recognized
human rights, including self-determination, even where not required by national or local legislation. We also discuss the
relationship between Free, Prior and Informed Consent and Impacts and Benefits Agreements.
Philippe Hanna and Frank Vanclay, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 2013, Vol. 31,
Abstract from the paper: The human right to self-determination is enacted in various international treaties and conventions. In order to facilitate self- determination, it is necessary to provide Indigenous peoples with opportunities to participate in decision-making and project development. The obligation for governments and companies to engage impacted communities is recognized in
international law, especially with the principle of ‘Free, Prior and Informed Consent’, which is outlined in the United
Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and in the International Labour Organization Convention 169. The
encounter between human rights, Indigenous peoples and mining and other extractive industries is discussed, especially as it
is has played out in Brazil. We recommend that companies should fully endorse and respect these internationally recognized
human rights, including self-determination, even where not required by national or local legislation. We also discuss the
relationship between Free, Prior and Informed Consent and Impacts and Benefits Agreements.
Respecting Indigenous Peoples and Traditional Knowledge
The 27 page document was produced by Peter Croal, Chantal Tetreault, and members of the IAIA Indigenous Peoples Section, and was published in April 2012 as Special Publication Series No. 9 by the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA). It offers best-practice principles for integrating Indigenous traditional knowledge into environmental and social impact assessments. The document outlines foundational and operational guidelines—emphasizing culturally appropriate protocols, free prior informed consent, equitable collaboration, and combining Indigenous and Western knowledge systems. It reflects three years of development, conference reviews (2010–2011), and open discussion, aiming to ensure respectful and meaningful Indigenous participation in assessment processes. The PDF is available from the IAIA website.
The 27 page document was produced by Peter Croal, Chantal Tetreault, and members of the IAIA Indigenous Peoples Section, and was published in April 2012 as Special Publication Series No. 9 by the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA). It offers best-practice principles for integrating Indigenous traditional knowledge into environmental and social impact assessments. The document outlines foundational and operational guidelines—emphasizing culturally appropriate protocols, free prior informed consent, equitable collaboration, and combining Indigenous and Western knowledge systems. It reflects three years of development, conference reviews (2010–2011), and open discussion, aiming to ensure respectful and meaningful Indigenous participation in assessment processes. The PDF is available from the IAIA website.
VIDEO: Empowering Indigenous Voices in Impact Assessment