Diversified mining major BHP took a further step towards deepening long-term relationships with Indigenous communities with the launch of its Canada Indigenous Partnership Plan (CIPP) on August 9.

The release of the CIPP coincides with the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, underscoring the company's commitment to promoting Indigenous rights and wellbeing.

The CIPP is designed to support Indigenous wellbeing, forge impactful partnerships, ensure accountability, and achieve targets in Indigenous employment and procurement. It aligns with BHP’s global ambition to create social value and operate with integrity, responding in part to Action 92 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

BHP potash projects VP Simon Thomas explained that, through the CIPP, the group was seeking to incorporate Indigenous methodologies and work in a way that respected physical, mental, emotional and spiritual interconnectedness.

“The CIPP aims to foster reciprocal relationships, contribute to social, economic and environmental outcomes, and support reconciliation through procurement, hiring and business opportunities,” he stated.

Karina Gistelinck, asset president, potash, highlighted the plan’s foundation on Indigenous input and continuous learning.

“BHP’s approach centres on listening to Indigenous voices, building respectful and lasting relationships through consultation, engagement, and shared goals. The plan reflects input from Indigenous partners and emphasizes continuous learning and adaptation. Our team is committed to transparency, accountability, and working collaboratively to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for Indigenous communities and the company,” she said.

An internal team at BHP will lead the implementation of the CIPP, supported by a new external Indigenous Advisory Circle for the Jansen potash project, in Saskatchewan. This circle includes community leaders, cultural advisers, experts in Indigenous rights, legal professionals, environmental consultants, and representatives from various Indigenous communities. They will focus on incorporating Indigenous methodologies and fostering reciprocal relationships to achieve social, economic and environmental outcomes, with progress reported annually.

BHP’s longstanding commitment to building strong, respectful and mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities has been integral to the development of the Jansen potash mine, which is expected to start production in 2026. The CIPP represents a continuation and deepening of these efforts, aiming to create lasting positive impacts and support reconciliation initiatives in Canada.