Welcome to Pehta

Indigenous Community Benefit Disclosure Standard

First Nation Governed Impact Metrics

Download the latest Pehta Framework - Exposure Draft here.

In an increasingly interconnected and globalized world, the public narrative and effort have surged toward genuine reconciliation with Indigenous Communities. The Indigenous Community Benefit Disclosure Standard, known as the Pehta Framework, emerges as a groundbreaking initiative, addressing a pivotal void in the Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) domain, precisely emphasizing Indigenous Communities.

The rapid evolution of the ESG discourse has unfortunately left foundational measurement and reporting standards trailing, often fragmented, and without clear direction. This void and a lack of uniform standards have inadvertently led the market to base decisions on individual interpretations or pure conjecture. Both paths invariably shortchange Indigenous Communities in the process. 

While the roots of ESG lie more in risk management than sheer altruism, the Pehta Framework pivots, recognizing and amplifying the real risks that Indigenous Communities' unyielding, inherent, and legally bound rights to land (“Indigenous Rights Risks”) contribute to the broader ESG narrative. This spotlight realigns these risks, offering them the weight and consideration they rightfully command.

Recognizing that no single framework can ever negate Indigenous Rights Risks related to project development, thereby guaranteeing the financial success of businesses on Indigenous lands, there's an understanding that the inherent nature or character of a business can offer insights. As the architects of Pehta believe, past actions are often the clearest predictors of future behaviour. Organizations steeped in the essence of reconciliation, fostering equitable economic participation, and showing genuine regard for the welfare of Indigenous Communities invariably cultivate a lower Indigenous Rights Risk profile, making them more appealing from an investor’s standpoint.

Pehta’s ambition extends beyond mere metrics. It endeavors to paint a vivid portrait of project stakeholders and suppliers against the canvas of Indigenous reconciliation. The ethical undertone of such reconciliation forms the bedrock of enduring, genuine relationships. This framework reveres the voices, hopes, and apprehensions of First Nations and all Indigenous Communities, forging a comprehensive, flexible instrument for stakeholders to embrace a more unified, inclusive strategy.

Embracing the Pehta Framework isn’t just a nod to ethical and moral stances; it's a strategic pivot towards enduring success and sustainability. This shift ensures Indigenous voices echo in decision-making corridors, fostering a synergy built on trust, respect, and collaboration. This transparency offers a tangible edge in an investment landscape increasingly swayed by ethics.

While the primary intent of the Pehta Framework centers on guiding the 3,000+ publicly traded companies in Canada, its design is far-reaching and deliberate. We've crafted the architecture of Pehta to galvanize the extensive network of direct and indirect vendors and suppliers that sustain these major entities. We aim to usher them into a concerted effort, amplifying benefits for Indigenous Communities. Furthermore, the framework pulls into its ambit entities that often escape scrutiny—funders and project owner representatives. Each plays an indispensable role in directing the market towards the prosperity of Indigenous peoples. The Pehta Framework serves as an accountability mechanism, ensuring every player in the market ecosystem pivots toward a future enriched by Indigenous success and collaboration.

Signifying a watershed moment in ESG's journey, especially regarding Indigenous inclusion, the Pehta Framework stands as a testament to what’s possible. It beckons all stakeholders to envision and mold an equitable, sustainable horizon for Indigenous Communities, reaping the rewards of market standardization and accountability.

We, therefore, rally every stakeholder to champion the Pehta Framework wholeheartedly. Let's co-create a future deeply respectful of the rights, traditions, and prosperity of Indigenous Communities. It’s a bridge to trusting relationships and a beacon for a harmonious, equitable tomorrow.

Welcome to Pehta.