B.C. Aboriginal groups protesting against Embridge’s Northern Gateway project in Edmonton

For decades, the disputes over traditional territories and land claims between the Canadian government and First Nations groups remained as an unresolved issue; over the years, numerous development projects and decisions struggled with this “external threat” (which can be categorized as both political and social influences under the PEST analysis), and Enbridge’s pipeline project is for sure no exception. Thus far, progress remained slow and little definite agreements have been made. Tracing back to, we can see the long lasting negative impact as well as financial cost (comparable to a legacy cost) of the historical wrong done to the indigenous people over a century ago.

Perhaps a better alternative solution is for the provincial government to form more partnerships with Aboriginal leaders and First Nations community in the development of disputed territories/areas. If these claims can be settled through collaboration,  then what is originally perceived as a “threat” into a new opportunity (recall that in previous lectures, we discussed as a class how the different sections on a SWOT grid is inter-related and changeable) that can actually benefit both stakeholders. For instance, these partnerships can allow the government and corporations to grow the economy and benefit financially, and at the same time First Nations people can also benefit from regional development and more job opportunities. This, of course, requires a willingness from both sides to step back, compromise on equal scales and to move forward with a new attitude.

Article Links

Cooperative Land Deal Opens New Chapter for Three Metro First Nations

First Nations buy provincial properties, extinguish land claims on others

B.C. Premier Urges Cooperation, Not More Litigation, as Government and Natives Reach ‘new Fork in Road’

Background: The Indian Act

Works Cited:

Lee, Jeff. “Cooperative Land Deal Opens New Chapter for Three Metro First Nations.” Www.vancouversun.com. The Vancouver Sun, 28 Mar. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.

Lee, Jeff. “First Nations Buy Provincial Properties, Extinguish Land Claims on Others.” Www.vancouversun.com. The Vancouver Sun, 9 Apr. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.

Montpetit, Isabelle. “Background: The Indian Act.” CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 14 July 2011. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.

Pynn, Larry. “B.C. Premier Urges Cooperation, Not More Litigation, as Government and Natives Reach ‘new Fork in Road'” Www.vancouversun.com. N.p., 12 Sept. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.