"Rio and Centre of Excellence to grow indigenous participation in minerals development in North America," 27 November 2019.

The Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Minerals Development announced Wednesday that Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) will be a founding partner, supporting its work for indigenous communities that want to engage with and participate in minerals development.  

The Centre is being established by Waubetek, an indigenous development corporation in Ontario, Canada, as a hub of learning and research for first nations and indigenous owned businesses in North America...A total of $1.8 million in funding for the Centre of Excellence has been committed from the Government of Canada through FedNor and NRCAN.

Rio Tinto is the first resources company to join the partnership with a contribution of $1 million over 5 years, as well as technical expertise to help the Centre provide insight and expertise to indigenous communities that are considering developing their own resources...