Inco recognizes that we have a responsibility to indigenous peoples whose communities are affected by our business. Over our more than 100-year history, we have learned the importance of contributing to the quality of life in the communities where we operate and of respecting local traditions and cultures. While we have an obligation to help our communities achieve their goals, we believe we have a particular responsibility to take into account the needs, expectations and concerns of our indigenous neighbours. Helping to develop more stable, healthier and prosperous communities is good for aboriginal peoples and for our businesses. It's also the right thing to do.

Sharing Common Bonds

As the following summary of our activities in communities across Canada and around the world illustrates, our commitment to our aboriginal partners takes many forms. Depending on location and culture, the focus of our relationship ranges from stewardship of the land and community development to providing members of our communities with the education, training and business opportunities they need to procure employment.

While we pursue individual partnerships that reflect unique conditions and needs, our relationships with all our indigenous stakeholders share common features.

These include our commitment to minimize negative impacts and maximize positive impacts of existing and future projects on or near their communities. They include, too, our commitment to build meaningful relationships based on trust, openness, respect, mutual understanding and goodwill.