In the case of Taseko Mines it is clear to see how the First Nations can play a social and political external factor to the success of their business. While they did acknowledge their environmental review was imperfect, the mistake of not fully taking the First Nation’s stance into complete consideration is a huge contributing factor for the loss of their mine site. Not only did the First Nations swiftly take down the uninvited entrance of a possible mine site with a Tribal Park, but ensured protection for their heritage landscape from future industrial sites. Had Taseko taken additional steps to analyze the current and past political issues surrounding the First Nations and their land they may have approached with a better business strategy that included benefits for the First Nations.
A prime example of this can be seen from another article shared below. Just this week the federal government’s property arm, Canada Lands Company was able to form partnerships with three First Nations and strike a deal of $307.2 million for valuable Vancouver land. Despite numerous attempts from developers over the past few years nobody had been able to get their hands on the properties until now. What was different this time around? The three nations received $86 million of the company value and had their local residents’ concerns assured by Canada Lands. Through keeping up communication with the First Nations and taking into consideration their view this business deal was able to be successful.
“I think what is really exciting is that at one time the three First Nations would compete with each other for the scarce resources within our territories but now by coming together under the protocol agreement and with cooperation and collaboration we are able to achieve better results for our members.” – “Chief Ian Campbell, an elected councillor and hereditary chief of the Squamish First Nation”