Enbridge, an energy company situated in Calgary, Alberta is currently facing a predicament in one of their latest projects. The prospective development of an oil pipeline is being halted by the vocal apprehensions of the First Nation’s people. One of the primary concerns of the establishment of the pipeline is solely regarding the location (Hoekstra, 2014).

Evidently, this presents an external obstacle for Enbridge, as it involves political complications that entail aboriginal land and territory claims. Additionally, the collective group of the Nak’azdii reside on the land where the pipeline will go through (Hoekstra, 2014). Obviously, this will raise concerns within the tribe as it violates certain social elements that are symbolic to the First Nations.

What Enbridge needs to recognize is that the Nak’azdii and the rest of the First Nation’s people are not primarily driven by financial incentives. “Our elders have always said you cannot eat money, says Lillian. The food and the land are so important for us” (Hoekstra, 2014). The land cannot be simply “bought” off them, as their connection with the terrain transcend beyond mere physicality. Their way of life, traditional, and culture are all embedded within the land and money cannot simply persuade them.

Politically, Enbridge has to also consult with the First Nations in order to advance their project. “ The Supreme Court of Canada ruling granted the Tsilqhot’in title to 1,750 square kilometres in central B.C., a first for a First Nation in British Columbia” (Hoekstra, 2014). This recent edict has allowed the First Nations to gain a larger political presence and subsequently enforced a need for government and companies to get consent before touching the land, thereby potentially restricting Enbridge’s future advancements. (Hoekstra, 2014).

Works Cited:

http://www.ppwc.ca/wp-content/uploads/PPWC-Opposes-Enbridge-Pipeline.jpg

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/There+will+pipeline/10122968/story.html