Amplifying Indigenous voices: The ASI and IPAF partnership for Indigenous peoples and local community empowerment

30 May 2024

ASI has made significant strides through its collaboration with the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Forum (IPAF). This successful partnership embodies ASI’s commitment to help protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) that are affected by bauxite mining and associated operations. This effort not only aligns with our mission to promote sustainable practices in the aluminium industry but also marks a milestone in ensuring that the voices of those directly impacted by mining activities and associated facilities are heard and respected.

A Platform for Communication and Engagement

IPAF serves as a vital communication and engagement platform, providing a positive and open collaboration between and among representatives of IPLCs and ASI. The forum provides a structured environment for IPLCs to build capacity and experience, while providing a platform to express their concerns, share experiences, and contribute to the development and implementation of the ASI Standards.

Regular teleconferences and video calls organised by ASI with IPAF members facilitate the sharing of information and progress updates. These sessions enable community representatives from across the globe to connect, exchange ideas, and establish support networks. Such interactions are crucial for enabling informed discussion, building capacity and confidence in engagement and the implementation of Free Prior and Informed Consent processes, by fostering a collective understanding and collaborative approach to addressing the challenges faced by IPLCs in bauxite mining regions.

“Being an IPAF member representative on the ASI Standards Committee isn’t just about inclusion; it’s about recognition. I believe in the transformative power of standards, and not just maintaining the status quo. By advocating and integrating for standards that reflect Indigenous cultural values and respect for land, we’re not just setting benchmarks; we’re paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.”

– Marina Wangurra, Director & Strategist, Nawa Nawa Consultants Pty Ltd

Empowering Indigenous Communities

ASI has implemented several projects to build capacity among IPLCs affected by the aluminium value chain’s operations. ASI support for a diversity of projects led by IPLCs have taken place in Guinea, Ghana, Norway, India, Australia and Suriname. Through a series of five training sessions developed and rolled out specifically for IPAF that focus on various themes such as the aluminium value chain, ASI governance, and standards, ASI has equipped IPAF members with the knowledge and tools to engage meaningfully in ASI discussions and processes. This training has not only empowered communities but also increased the pool of local technical experts who can become ASI Registered Specialists, aiding in more credible and culturally aware audits.

“I am committed to respecting all my duties and responsibilities as indicated on the roadmap of the members of the standards committee (ASI) with the aim of recognising and promoting the production, supply and responsible management of aluminium. And I welcome the initiative of (ASI) to have within its community true members of rural communities because, it is only by participating in these committees that our wishes will be taken into account.”

– Sankon Mohamed, Advisor and Representative, Groupement Lanyi Fan

Growth in IPLC Membership and Participation

One of the most significant indicators of success in the ASI-IPAF collaboration is the increase in ASI members from IPLC organizations. Over recent months, IPAF members have come to constitute 8 out of the 21 civil society (CS) members within ASI. This remarkable growth highlights the trust and engagement of IPLC community representatives in ASI’s mission.

The participation of IPLC representatives in ASI’s governance structures has also seen a notable increase. The ASI Standards Committee now includes seven full members from the IPAF community along with two observers as part of the capacity building process, ensuring that the perspectives and rights of IPLCs  are well-represented with a long-term view. This enhanced representation ensures that IPLCs have a direct and influential role in shaping the standards and practices governing the aluminium value chain.

“I am extremely pleased and honoured to have been chosen for a role in the Standards Committee and look forward to starting to learn from you and my colleagues about the process and technical details of ASI and making my contribution to it.”

– Mamadou Kindy Diallo, Kanya Donse Fanyi

 A proven path forward

The collaboration between ASI and IPAF has demonstrated the positive impact of inclusive and participatory governance. By empowering IPLCs  and amplifying their voices within our organisation, we ensure we prioritise rightsholders in our work, value indigenous knowledge, address the knowledge imbalances to support IPLC’s to both protect their individual and community rights, as well as better engage with various stakeholders, which combined, help to enhance the sustainability performance of the aluminium industry as a whole.

ASI’s capacity building initiatives have shown results in the increased participation and input to the work of the ASI Standards Committee and ASI Working Groups, participation in audits and witness assessments, registration as ASI Registered Specialists, use of the ASI complaints mechanism, and increased engagement and negotiation with ASI Members. This partnership is not just a success story for ASI and IPAF, but a model for how collaborative approaches can drive meaningful change in industries worldwide.

“Being part of the ASI Standards Committee, on behalf of the indigenous peoples of India, I feel very fortunate and privileged. At the same time I am aware of the responsibility, transparency and objectivity the membership to the Standards Committee requires. I will try my best to perform as a member of the standards committee and exercise my roles and responsibilities to the best of my ability in the interest of both the company and the indigenous peoples. I look forward to more involvement and participation in the days to come.”

– Vincent Ekka, Assistant Professor, Indian Social Institute

For more information on the IPAF members and their contributions, please visit the following links:

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