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The CCRcorp Network unlocks access to a world of insights, research, guides and information in a range of specialty areas.

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TheCorporateCounsel

TheCorporateCounsel.net

A basis for research and practical guidance focusing on federal securities laws, compliance & corporate governance.

DealLawyers

DealLawyers.com

An educational service that provides practical guidance on legal issues involving public and private mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity – and much more.

CompensationStandards

CompensationStandards.com

The “one stop” resource for information about responsible executive compensation practices & disclosure.

Section16.net

Section16.net

Widely recognized as the premier online research platform providing practical guidance on issues involving Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and all of its related rules.

PracticalESG

PracticalESG.com

Keeping you in-the-know on environmental, social and governance developments

Monday is a national holiday in the US. Most people may know it as Columbus Day. Wider understanding of Christopher Columbus’ role in European colonization practices of the Americas and widespread destruction of Indigenous People’s lives and cultures caused many to rethink how we recognize him. In 1990, South Dakota replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day – a holiday meant to honor the culture and history of native people living in the Americas before and after Columbus’ arrival.

Today, sixteen more states, the District of Columbia and scores of municipalities formally recognize Indigenous Peoples Day.

In this time of social consciousness and focus on long-term value, it is unfortunate that there is a general lack of Indigenous concepts and voices on corporate environmental & social issues as part of ESG. It can even happen when Indigenous communities are directly affected by corporate decisions. Examples include destruction of sacred Aboriginal land in Australia for mining expansion and planned oil/gas pipeline pathways through Native American sacred lands – along with the resulting disputes that are lengthy and costly.

We are taking this Indigenous Peoples Day as an opportunity to further consider the impact of – and opportunities for – corporate ESG initiatives on Indigenous communities (I would welcome your emails on this topic). At companies, including more people from these communities in ESG conversations could enhance understandings and improve ESG strategies.

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The Editor

Lawrence Heim has been practicing in the field of ESG management for almost 40 years. He began his career as a legal assistant in the Environmental Practice of Vinson & Elkins working for a partner who is nationally recognized and an adjunct professor of environmental law at the University of Texas Law School. He moved into technical environmental consulting with ENSR Consulting & Engineering at the height of environmental regulatory development, working across a range of disciplines. He was one… View Profile