Danyang Liu's Blog

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I remember a question in my application form for UBC asking how do I identified myself; aboriginal is one of the many answers. This is the first time I really pay attention to aboriginal problems here in Canada. Relationships between aboriginal people and Canada government is delicate. They tried to corporate with each other, but it is quite clear that their expected outcomes for their corporation are different. Canada government tried to gain resources for economic developments, while aboriginal people tried their best to protect their land and rights. Trades between them are fair and unfair at the same time.

The relationship between government and aboriginal people is not only about politics, but also about businesses. Calgary-based Enbridge wants to run its $7-9 billion Northern Gateway oil and condensate pipelines in the territory of First Nation. This is a decision between huge profits and environmental protection. In this case, I agree with the government’s decision of not building the pipelines. First, the pipeline will past through the heart of Nak’azdli territory – downriver from where the revered chief Kwah is buried. Hence, the pipelines is a thread to historic sites inside First Nation territory. Secondly, the relationship between government and aboriginal people will be destroyed because a group of six First Nations make it clear that

they will not let the oil pipeline be built.

Thus, government should respect their opinions. Thirdly, the territory contains a lot of natural resources. For example, a variety of fishes. So, if the company build the pipelines, the wild lives will be greatly influenced in a negative way.

It is true that the oil company have to make enormous sacrifices and the opportunity cost of this decision is quite high. The government’s decision of not building this pipelines is still undoubtedly correct.