Image: Chilcotin Fish Lake
The controversy of external claims to Aboriginal land in BC and across the Canadian nation seems to be inevitable. As deliberated in a Vancouver Sun News article, opposing parties were in disagreement between the establishments of a $1.1 billion mining development by New Prosperity mines in Chilcotin, BC. The Tsihqot’in people believe that the sovereign property is rightfully theirs and have declared the formation of a tribal park that will ensure their rights in the area. As outlined in the business PEST Analysis, the political and economic debates are evident while signifying a sense of instability on various values on environment conservation and legal protection laws. With this is mind, we can consider the pressing question: Is sacrificing the loss for environmental resources really worth the risk for possible economic advancements? It’s true that often, money and investments are important in creating a stable and thriving economy, but on the other hand, other alternatives can be considered as the significance in sustainability is essential. These conservation projects lead by the tribes themselves are a reflection of how we, as producers and consumers need to consider the risk factors we are willing to take as we are the ones with the power to differentiate and assimilate.
