The First Nations people of Canada and the various levels of government have always struggled to find a level playing field when it comes to land distribution. Their have been many instances over the past 100 years where issues have arisen due to the government’s intentions to begin projects on land that various First Nations groups consider important to their traditions.

In the past month alone two instances have arisen; one revolving around various BC First Nations band urging government to reject a proposed hydroelectric  megaproject and the other revolving around the Tsilhqot’in declaring the site of a proposed New Prosperity mine a tribal park. It is my understanding that in both of these instances the issues revolve around who truly has the right to dictate the future of these patches of land. For the Tsilhqot’in they feel that the recent regulation that passed by the supreme court that encompassed 1,750 sq KM of land was not accurate in terms of representation and as such they are including the mine in their plans for the tribal park.

In regards to the hydroelectric dam the various First Nations group feel that the flooding of 83 Km of the Peace River Valley would harm their ability to gather resources such as the animals they hunt and that it would hurt their culture as they have used the land for generations as a meeting place and means to teach the next generation about their way of life.

All in all, I believe that both of these issues boil down to a difference of opinions, The government is concerned with building the industry and economy of the country while the First Nations are struggling to hold onto and protect their way of life. I feel it would be in the best interests of both sides to work together and attempt to find the best possible solution through compromise and continuous dialogue.

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/metro/Unilateral+park+declared+Tsilhqot+includes+Prosperity+mine/10192766/story.html

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/First+Nation+chiefs+stage+Site+showdown/10215965/story.html

http://ri-ir.org/2012/11/22/harper-launches-major-first-nations-termination-plan-as-negotiating-tables-legitimize-canadas-colonialism/

http://www.citynews.ca/2012/05/09/first-nations-protest-enbridges-proposed-oilsands-pipeline/