The conflict between the Canadian government and aboriginal people has been ongoing for decades, but has yet to be resolved. Even though Stephen Harper “made a formal apology in 2008 to Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples” on behalf of Canada, the pain and suffering from the assimilation in residential schools, and discrimination towards aboriginal people, are still deeply marked in the hearts of the aboriginal people. In September, 2014, the B.C premier Christy Clark suggested to improve the relationship between the government and aboriginals.

By establishing partnership between the government and the aboriginal people, the government wants to make decisions on projects that require the support and agreement from aboriginal groups. For example, the ongoing Northern Gateway Pipeline that crosses though First Nations’ traditional lands are currently opposed by the majority of First Nations. This is a huge project that would generate a big sum of money for the government and the support from the First Nations is a final requirement for this project to begin. My analysis shows that the purpose of negotiating and cooperating with aboriginal people is to gain their support for both the Liberal party, which Christy Clark represents, and the projects that the party is involved in.

Links of reference:

– http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/first-nations-hold-the-key-to-the-northern-gateway-pipeline/article19213035/

– http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/background-the-indian-act-1.1056988

– http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Premier+urges+cooperation+more+litigation+government+natives+reach+fork+road/10194776/story.html