PURPOSE  
 

The purpose of this First Nations and Aboriginal Relations Policy is to emphasize that Maple Leaf Matting Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “Maple Leaf Matting”) recognizes the significant benefit created from developing and maintaining positive relationships with First Nations and Aboriginal communities in Canada and the United States.  Maple Leaf Matting believes the participation of First Nations and Aboriginal communities in its projects creates mutual benefits. Maple Leaf Matting can enhance service offerings to customers, which in turn creates opportunities for the indigenous people in areas of employment; training and development; and helps to improve regional economic strength. Maple Leaf Matting is committed to supporting training and educational programs in the regions where it conducts business to assist local development.  
 
SCOPE

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This policy is applicable to Maple Leaf Matting and each of its entities. Compliance responsibility is as follows:
Employees and Managers who communicate with First Nation and Aboriginal Communities are responsible for:
•    Identifying opportunities to collaborate with First Nations and Aboriginal communities to promote economic opportunities and training;
•    Maintaining membership in First Nations and Aboriginal groups; and
•    Increasing awareness of First Nations and Aboriginal challenges within Maple Leaf Matting;
•    Attending cultural awareness training; and
•    Including First Nations and Aboriginal Communities in opportunities identified on reserve lands.
Human Resources is responsible for:
•    Administering and promoting Maple Leaf Matting’s First Nations and Aboriginal scholarship program.
•    Arranging Aboriginal/First Nation awareness training.
 
DEFINITIONS

American Indian Reservations - Areas of land defined through a tribal treaty, agreement, executive order, federal statute, secretarial order, or judicial determination, managed by a Native American tribe under the United States Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Land Claim – A claim to a territory and resources upon a territory made by an Aboriginal Nation (including Indians as defined by the Indian Act, Metis and Inuit people), tribe or band based on ongoing usage over time prior to first contact.

Off Reservation Trust Lands (USA) - Lands outside the boundaries of a reservation that are protected by the federal government for Indian use.

Treaties - Agreements between a government (federal or provincial) and a First Nations group which confer rights and obligations on both parties.
•    Canada - The Constitution of 1982 recognizes all treaties before and after Confederation. The Government of Canada continues to negotiate treaties, known as Comprehensive Land Claim Settlements, with First Nations to resolve claims and disputes and improve cooperation.
•    USA - Treaties were used from 1778 to 1871, and are contained in one publication, called the Indian Affairs, Laws and Treaties: 1778-1883.  Since 1871 all relations with First Nations are formalized through Congressional acts, Executive Orders, and Executive Agreements

Treaty Area (Canada) - Geographic areas that were included in historical treaty negotiations between First Nation groups and the Government of Canada.  Each treaty area is identified by either a number (1-11) or a name and may include one or more First Nations groups in each geographic region. Please see attached map.

Traditional Lands (Canada) – Lands that were historically used (predate European Settlement) or are presently used by First Nations and Aboriginal groups to sustain their traditional livelihood (may include land identified through cultural activities, harvesting areas, oral tradition, etc.).
 
PRINCIPLES

This Policy is committed to and guided by the principles of:
•    Ensuring Maple Leaf Matting applies the highest standards of fairness and integrity in working with First Nations and Aboriginal communities on reserve land to create economic opportunities to participate in resource development projects;
•    Building mutually beneficial business relationships based on trust, transparency, cooperation, and positive relationships between Maple Leaf Matting and the communities with which Maple Leaf Matting conducts operations; and
•    Ensuring Maple Leaf Matting personnel receive cultural awareness training and understand issues facing First Nations and Aboriginal communities.
 
POLICY

Maple Leaf Matting strives to collaborate with First Nations and Aboriginal communities to create new economic opportunities which can help communities benefit from the economic activity occurring on reserve lands.
Maple Leaf Matting respects the rights of First Nations and Aboriginal people as outlined in the land claims, treaties, trusts and acts signed by these communities across North America. 

Maple Leaf Matting seeks to hire personnel of First Nations and Aboriginal descent and encourages training and development opportunities by sponsoring scholarship programs at various post-secondary institutions.
Maple Leaf Matting can monitor the economic benefits of First Nations and Aboriginal communities from Maple Leaf Matting-contracted relationships.

Maple Leaf Matting maintains membership with First Nations and Aboriginal groups and associations and hires contractors from the communities in areas where Maple Leaf Matting operates to assist in the further development of these communities and the creation of economic opportunities.