Indigenous Community as the Foundation

Indigenous Community as the Core of Pehta

At the heart of the Pehta Framework lies the concept of community, specifically the Indigenous community. This is a fundamental principle, as the credibility and efficacy of industry efforts, and their related metrics, are intrinsically linked to how these initiatives resonate with and benefit the Indigenous community. The framework emphasizes that the more specific and tailored the opportunities or benefits are to Indigenous communities, the greater the credibility of the metrics. This specificity enhances the believability of industry's narrative concerning its journey towards reconciliation.

Defining the Indigenous Community

An Indigenous Community, within the scope of Pehta, refers to a group of Indigenous peoples connected through common cultural, historical, linguistic, or ancestral ties. This encompasses First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, each with their distinct cultures, languages, and histories. These communities are characterized by their deep-rooted connection to traditional territories and natural resources, as well as unique social, economic, and political systems.

In the Pehta Framework, these communities are acknowledged as sovereign entities with inherent rights, especially concerning the stewardship and management of their traditional lands and resources. The framework recognizes Indigenous communities as custodians of the land, underscoring their critical role.

The Pehta Framework recognizes the intricate dynamics between individual Indigenous persons and their communities. It addresses these complexities by including broader classifications such as "Indigenous (General)," "First Nation (General)," "Métis (General)," and "Inuit (General)." These categories are crucial in situations where data collection and reporting might be limited in detail due to willing individual expression or the availability of information. Furthermore, for Third-party certified and Self-declared Indigenous owned businesses that prefer to maintain discretion in their relations with their clients from Indigenous community leadership, these general categories provide a necessary level of anonymity.

Emphasis on Community in Metrics

The Pehta Framework integrates the concept of community throughout, underscoring that the ultimate validation of industry efforts lies in how they are perceived and received by the Indigenous community. The framework encourages industries to embrace metrics that not only quantify but also qualify their benefit to Indigenous communities. This approach is essential for creating a credible, impactful, and resonant narrative that aligns with the objectives of both the industry and the Indigenous communities.

Flexible Terminology in Reflecting Indigenous Community Engagement

The term "ESG" in the framework is used to apply a contemporary lens to disclosures and reporting. However, this term is not fixed and can be interchanged with terms like "corporate sustainability report" or "Indigenous impact report," reflecting the evolving nature of market reporting. This flexibility ensures the framework's relevance and adaptability overtime.

Prioritizing Indigenous Relationships over Standard Compliance

The framework emphasizes that the focus should be on articulating the quality of relationships with Indigenous communities, rather than merely adhering to global or other national standards not developed by Indigenous communities. Reporting should genuinely reflect the benefits and interactions industries have with communities, equal to legal obligations and above market expectations.

Centering Indigenous Communities in Reporting

Honest, open, and transparent relationships with Indigenous communities are at the forefront of the Pehta Framework. Reporting, whether in alingment with ESG metrics or other frameworks, should prioritize the perspectives, needs, and rights of Indigenous communities, with other applications or requirements being secondary.