Environmental impact assessment and native people : a preliminary review of developments in Northern Canada and Northern Australia.

Abstract

This thesis reports on a preliminary study of the manner in which environmental impact assessment (EIA) addresses the concerns of native people. The study is based on comparative review of developments in Australia and Canada, with particular reference to the Northern Territory and Northwest Territories respectively. It is shown that there are many similarities between the two countries regarding the development of EIA, and the background to, and recognition of, native rights. There are important difference, however, in the way EIA is being used by native people, and the way in which EIA addresses native peoples' issues in Canada and Australia. Data for this analysis were obtained from interviews with key people involved with native issues and EIA in Canada, and from questionnaires sent to key people in these fields in Australia. The thesis concludes that there are compelling reasons for modifying existing EIA procedures in Canada and Australia to enable native peoples' issues to be addressed more effectively. A conceptual approach to achieving this is proposed as a preliminary measure. Development of specific mechanisms suitable for implementation in Canada and Australia should be pursued through consultation with native people or their representative organisations.