Enabling Indigenous-centred decision-making for a just energy transition? Lessons from community consultation and consent in the circumpolar Arctic

Abstract

Governance and decision-making that uphold the rights, interests, knowledges, and values of Indigenous peoples and land-connected communities are increasingly recognised as critical components of a just energy transition. Despite the unprecedented inclusion of Indigenous peoples in resource governance, it is unclear how community consultation and consent can effectively support Indigenous-centred decision-making. In this paper, we provide an integrative and case review of community experiences with consultation and consent across the Arctic and sub-Arctic region which along with other ‘resource geographies’ are increasingly affected by transition minerals mining and renewable energy infrastructure. Key themes identified in the review include: (1) limitations of state- and company-led community consultation and consent; (2) practices of Indigenous-centred (Indigenous-led, Indigenous-benefiting and Indigenous-informed) decision-making; and (3) barriers to Indigenous-centred decision-making. Focusing on the circumpolar north, this paper contributes to broadening the discussion on just energy transitions for Indigenous peoples. Implications for scholarship and practice are discussed, reflecting on community consultation and consent in the current rush to supply minerals and infrastructure for the global energy transition.