Corporate
Social Responsibility –
Partnerships with Indigenous Peoples
Santiago, Chile
September 2005
Corporate Social Responsibility

Indigenous people are
the existing
descendants of the
original people
inhabiting a particular
region or country.
Corporate Social Responsibility

Indigenous populations often
maintain cultural, political
and legal values that differ
from those of the newer
inhabitants, and, importantly,
maintain particular claims or
rights over the local lands,
resources and artifacts, in
accordance with these
values.
Corporate Social Responsibility

Businesses working in
such diverse areas as
development and
infrastructure projects,
textile and food
industries, extractive
industries, tourism,
pharmaceuticals,
scientific research, the
art industry and many
other areas all
potentially face
Indigenous claims.
Corporate Social Responsibility

Some corporations are
beginning to address the
issues of corporate
social responsibilities
by developing policies
and guidelines that
engage Indigenous
Peoples in a mutually
productive and
meaningful manner.
Corporate Responsibility
CASE STUDY – Tembec and Black River

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Tembec is a leading integrated Canadian forest products
company principally involved in the production of wood products,
market pulp and papers. With sales of over $4 billion dollars, the
Company operates over 55 manufacturing units in Europe, North
America and South America employing approximately 10,000
people.
Black River is an Indigenous Community of 800 people who are
the original inhabitants of the land. Our traditional territories
are located in the heart of Tembec’s forestry operations in
Manitoba, Canada.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Tembec’s corporate philosophy focuses on:
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Conducting business and developing relationships with respect, openness, trust,
understanding and integrity – These are words to live and work by!
Incorporating Traditional Knowledge (TK) into Forest Management Planning
Identify and consider First Nation interests, concerns and values with respect
to Aboriginal and Treaty Rights
Provide a mechanism for full or partial endorsement within the Forest
Management Planning process
FSC Principles – Principle 3
Corporate Social Responsibility

Tembec has established
policies and guidelines in all
phases of the company’s
operation which will provide
stewardship, sustained yield
and development of the
natural resources while
protecting the health and
safety of employees,
customers and the
Indigenous communities.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Through its Indigenous Peoples policies, Tembec
works together with First Peoples in:

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Economic Development - mills & forestry
Educational Assistance Programs
 scholarships and youth training
 forestry contractor development
Traditional Values Integration
 joint planning committees
 trapper consultation
Corporate Social Responsibility


The scope of Tembec’s
Indigenous policy is to define
the relationship with respect to
First Nation communities
impacted by the company’s
activities.
Tembec ensures that Indigenous
views and values are
incorporated into company
practices through the
establishment of Traditional
Area Committees.
Corporate Social Responsibility

The Traditional Area Committee’s (TAC) provides liaison
between Indigenous communities and Tembec Industries. The
TAC provides opportunities for Indigenous communities to
address their concerns, views and values as they relate to such
activities such as trapping, fishing, gathering, sustainable
development and the social well-being of the community.
Membership of the TAC is made up of both community and the
company representatives. This group which meets on a regular
basis works towards solving potential conflicts that can arise
through industrial activities within traditional lands used by
Indigenous Peoples.
Corporate Social Responsibility
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TEMBEC IS INVOLVED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
Trapper Research
Black River Education Opportunities
Black River Saw Mill/Chipper Project
Black River Pulp Cutting
Black River Reforestation Program
Black River Environment Department
Hiring of Indigenous Peoples within Mill and Forestry Operations
Corporate Social Responsibility

Tembec has demonstrated
that long-term meaningful
relationships with Indigenous
Peoples is not only possible
but also good business
practice. Tembec’s corporate
social responsibility policies has
earned it a place among Canada’s
50 best corporate citizens…..