The recent establishment of Dasiqox Tribal Park has announced Tsilhqot’in people’s resolve against New Prosperity copper-gold project. In this contest we could observe two different views of sustainability: While we usually see sustainability as harvesting resources without causing irreversible damage to the environment, First Nations only justify non-industrial scale exploitation, which is deemed respectable to gods and nature. Taseko Mines clearly failed to identify all its key partners in this case, and its efforts in acquiring key resources have thus been stalled.

This is not the only case where First Nations people try to hold back what we call progress. BC Hydro’s recent Site C hydroelectric megaproject is battling against chiefs in a similar fashion. Under PEST analysis, political dissent seems the only constraint that hinders Canada’s industrial development, considering the country’s high GDP, social harmony and technological vantage.

First Nations people clearly have a point beside their traditional beliefs. Nature is both resilient and fragile, and one can hardly predict the negative implications of massive projects. China’s Three Gorges Dam project, for instance, brings economic progress as well as environmental loss. First Nations are a natural checking force for such potential damage.

Firms, however, also needs to persuade First Nations to accept gradual, constructive and sustainable progress, sometimes with visible benefits. I cannot help but wonder whether industrialization is possible in Canada at all, but if it is, the key lies in whether firms and First Nations could achieve mutual understanding.

References:

“Tsilhqot’in set to declare site of New Prosperity mine a tribal park”<http://www.vancouversun.com/news/metro/Unilateral+park+declared+Tsilhqot+includes+Prosperity+mine/10192766/story.html>

“First Nation chiefs to stage Site C showdown” <http://www.vancouversun.com/news/First+Nation+chiefs+stage+Site+showdown/10215965/story.html>

Image source:

http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/firstnations/images/fishingcamp.jpg