The only road to net zero
runs through Indigenous lands
Indigenous relations are key to our purpose
Arca’s mission is to stabilize our climate.
In doing so, we draw inspiration from the peoples who have long been custodians of the lands where we work. Aiming to emulate their ecosystem stewardship, we are committed to protecting these lands for future generations.
A desert road in Australia's Pilbara region. Photo by Isaac Borrego.
A new model that prioritizes
sustainability and equity
Most mine sites are located on the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples. Our team is committed to environmental justice and going far beyond our legal commitments to build genuinely mutually beneficial relationships with these Indigenous communities.
We recognise that the historically exploitative mindsets which have contributed to the climate crisis won’t solve it.
Read our statement
With the help of our partners at the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC), Arca has made five public commitments.
This demonstrates the way we are thinking, planning and strategizing to ensure we deliver our purpose through effective and respectful indigenous relations.
Our statement
Left: ARCA and FNMPC workshop, Oct. 2023 | Right: Florence Drummond, Niilo Edwards and Sean Lowrie
'When we talk about future economic opportunities for Indigenous communities, it's not just about jobs and businesses or procurement. It's now more about equity partnerships and revenue sharing models. CDR is a fundamental opportunity to get these things right.'
Florence Drummond
Executive Director,
Development Partner Institute
Defining Responsible and Respectful Carbon Removal Deployment at the Carbon Removal Canada Workshop. Sean Lowrie, Head of External Affairs, Arca. Photo by Sunni Chen.
A genuine relationship of reciprocity
We believe this shouldn’t be about bureaucracy and complicated frameworks that are difficult and costly to implement.
We begin with a real relationship with the host community – and everything flows from there.
Photo by Sunni Chen
‘Arca is not only an innovator
but is setting the pace in
Indigenous Relations for the
carbon removal industry
as a whole’
Jesse McCormick
Senior VP of Research, Innovation and Legal Affairs, FNMPC
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
Our operational principles
We are committed to working with our host communities with:
Respect
for Indigenous cultures, histories and world views
Transparency
honesty and integrity in
all interactions
Recognition
of Indigenous rights to self-determination and sovereignty
Prioritization
of trust, respect and collaboration as foundational values
Norwegian mining town
At Arca we believe these principles should be applied to every community we work with, wherever we operate
