Eva Liu's Blog

Many First Nations in Canada strongly believe in the importance of preserving their ancestral land that has not only belonged to them for centuries, but served as a strong part of their cultural identity. With increasing new industry expansions and developments threatening their once sacred and untouched land, many First Nation are not afraid to take a stand against such proposals. After the introduction of Kinder Morgan’s new proposed pipeline expansion, the Tsleil-Waututh and First Nations from Vancouver Island met on Se

ptember 21 to sign a treaty in order to put a final stop on the proposal. The treaty is said to address the fear of rising cancer rates near the Alberta oil sands. This article is of direct correlation to how First Nations can serve as an external factor that can significantly influence an organization’s business plan, as many clans hold substantial political power. The article “Tsilhqot’in set to declare site of New Prosperity mine a tribal park,” mentions similar actions other First Nations in Canada take to prevent potential harm to their land. The First Nation’s firm stand on protecting their ancestral land in not only to protect their heritage but also serves to protect our environment and citizens from potential harm, keeping the land safer for future generations. This is something that we as members of the society need to learn from as it affects us all. Though economic prosperity is important to the success of our society, is it really worth the ultimate sacrifice of various aspects that improve our quality of life, such as health and a clean environment to live in?

Reference:

http://www.biv.com/article/2014/9/coastal-first-nations-sign-treaty-stop-kinder-morg/

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

http://calgaryrealestate.ca/images/2011/11/Golden-Forest-by-Ian-Muttoo.jpg