The relationship between the First Nations people and the Canadian government has been fairly negative due to the history of the country, and the Northern Gateway pipeline is certainly adding more conflict to this relationship. Enbridge is a energy delivery based company based in Calgary, Alberta. Currently, the company is proposing a pipeline that would transport 525,000 barrels of oilsands crude to a tanker port at Kitimat, B.C. However, the company is having a hard time gaining support.
The First Nations people value the environment and their land, and this pipeline would destroy what they have gratitude towards. Embridge needs to realize the consequences of building this pipeline. In order to go through with it, they must satisfy the community’s needs and wants; otherwise, the company will gain a poor reputation and struggle in the long-run.
I, myself, have been to a First Nations reserve in Manitoba. I have witnessed the sense of community and preservation of culture first hand. It was a very unique and humbling experience to be able to participate in a pow-wow and feel a connection with the culture and people. Personally, I found the experience to be unreal and eye opening. It was interesting to see how much the First Nations people value the environment and their culture, and I believe it is important for Enbridge to realize the consequences of building this pipeline, as it destructive towards the environment.
Work Cited:
http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Premier+urges+cooperation+more+litigation+government+natives+reach+fork+road/10194776/story.html
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Enbridge+buys+million+land+parcel+northwest/9598156/story.html
http://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/premier-prentice-plans-to-move-forward-with-northern-gateway-pipeline-1.2093202