While BC Hydro’s Site C megaproject poses problems for First Nations, the unresolved partner issue goes beyond these two opposing sides. In an article found in the Vancouver Sun, First Nation Chief Roland Willson states that if the project is approved, it will be challenged by Aboriginal groups in the Federal Court of Canada. The impending megaproject is predicted not only to destroy farmland and wildlife habitat, but to impair fishing, hunting, and use of the Peace River Valley land by First Nations.
These issues sound all too familiar. The Northern Gateway pipeline has been facing similar issues with land claims, with the Harper government caught in the middle yet again. The pipeline already faces resistance due to environmental factors, as well as it being approved without First Nation consultation. If Site C is approved, this would reflect negatively on the government again, as well as companies attempting to build on First Nation land. The approval of BC Hydro’s project will surely affect the progress of the Northern Gateway pipeline as it would only fuel more resistance by Aboriginals and strain relationships between both parties. If the government keeps allowing companies to exploit First Nation land without consent, I find it hard to believe that Aboriginals would support future and existing projects such as the Northern Gateway pipeline.
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