Principles of ethno-federalism and relations of autochthonous peoples with resource-extracting companies in Russia and Canada

Abstract

The issues of the study of ethnic federations are largely connected with the discussion of the question on integrative mechanisms and stability of this kind of federalism. The presented publication looks at the problem from the other side. The issue of interrelation of the rights of the indigenous population and mining companies in the context of ethical federalism in Russia and Canada is taken as a basis. For this purpose, the regulatory framework, institutional mechanisms and the practice of resolving relevant local conflicts are being considered. The assessment of the paradigm of corporate social responsibility “social license to operate” is given also in this context. As a result, the conclusion is made about the peculiarities of the influence of ethnic federalism on the relations of indigenous population with mining companies; separate factors influencing this are identified. At the same time, in Russia and Canada, the rights of autochthonous groups in their territories are still in the process of institutionalization, both due to the very slow recognition of legal rights over the land use in the case of autochthonous communities in Canada, and due to continuing restrictions by federal authorities or legislation.