MoekoURAWA

The Vancouver Sun article  addresses the conflict between the First Nation and the BC Hydro regarding the proposal of BC Hydro’s Site C project, the construction of a dam and 1,100-megawatt hydroelectric generating station on the Peace River in northeastern British Columbia. Although the project promises to become BC’s clean source of energy to fulfil the ever-growing population and demand in Victoria, the external factors are causing a huge impact on the pursuit of the project; in particular, the First Nations are directly affected by this project.

Source: www.bchydro.com/ The proposal of the BC Hydro Site C project is refused by the Tsilhqot’in First Nation

PESTLE Analysis: The main the external threats to BC Hydro’s proposal are the political, social and environmental  factors, while the economical and environmental factors are the driving force for the dam construction plan.

• Political: BC Hydro is forced to pause the operation of the project because they are violating the First Nation policies and agreement [under the Indian Act].
• Environmental: The project will consequent in flooding 83km of the Peace River Valley, land important for BC’s food security and community resilience – leading BC Hydros to face huge environmental conflict. It also induces a detrimental affect on the local farmland and wildlife habitat. Nonetheless, building the dam will create access to hydroelectric power (renewable energy source) that is better for the environment – minimises the national dependence on crude oil.
• Social: Impairs the First Nation’s rights to fish, hunt and use land for ceremonial purposes. Traditional value must be preserved.
• Economical: Creates a sustainable source to satisfy the growing demand for energy, creating huge opportunity for BC Hyrdo to generate revenue.

My thoughts
Coming from a foreign background and only recently introduced to the land ownership conflict between the First Nations and the government, I can only offer limited explanation regarding this topic. Nonetheless, this article really underlines the importance of being aware of the external factors such as traditions (social), laws and regulations (political) when making business decisions. In my opinion, at this time and age, it is equally important for the First Nations to recognise the country’s need for energy to cater the growing population and consumption of power. I believe that the economical benefits of the BC Hydro project outweigh the cost. The generation of enormous energy will not only better the oil consumption problems in the long-run, but more importantly allow Canadian economy to be less dependent on the prices of oil. The First Nations ought to be more open about agreeing on mutually benefitting resolution (although, it is easier said then done).

Are corporations like BC Hydro legally required to consider the legacy of First Nations?

What are the benefits for BC Hyrdro for protect First Nations’ territories over supplying scarce resource to the BC residents?

At the end of the day, the government and the First Nations are both fighting to make effort to create a better environment the Canadians.

For more information about the Site C Project, check out this article.

Additional comment after the Class 10 (13.10.2014)
The lecture discussion opened my eyes to a new interpretation and deeper knowledge about the territorial values of the First Nations, and how it should continue to be government’s first responsibility to protect the environment in Canada and assure corporations are complying with the traditional law. Still, it is difficult to judge the decisions based on the macroeconomic basis; but from what I learned in the lecture, BC Hydro should consider the long-term impact of the project and the environment, and re-evaluate the extent of damage it will have on their intangible and more meaningful outcomes, such as company reputation (even though profits can be made).

Work Cited
O’NEIL, PETER. “First Nation Chiefs to Stage Site C Showdown.” The Vancouver Sun. Postmedia Network Inc., 18 Sept. 2014. Web. 10 Nov. 2014.