First Nations’ vs. Government
Throughout history there has been various conflicts regarding the government and the first nations. In the article by Peter O’Neil from The Vancouver Sun discusses the current conflict of BC Hydro’s $8-billion Site C mega-project. There are various aboriginal groups that are fighting; the Union of B.C. Indian chief leader Stewart Phillip declared at the First Nations leaders’ summit that “B.C is Indian land”. Another chief has stated that the pending federal government decision is expected to come down in opposition towards the mega-project and West Moberly’s First nation Chief Roland Willson has said if Ottawa approves this project then the local aboriginals will take actions and challenge the Federal Court of Canada. One of the main arguments towards this project is not just the environmental harm, but will affect one of first nation’s main objectives. With my understanding I believe that first nations mainly feel strongly towards two things, respecting their sacred land and their values towards the fish. With BC hydro’s mega-project, the dam will flood 83 kilometers of the Peace River Valley which the aboriginals argue that, it would impair their rights to fish; hunt and using there are for ceremonial purposes. Many non-aboriginals may argue and not understand the values and minds of the first nations, however it is important to think that it was their original land and even with declining this project they are being reasonable by accepting smaller projects in areas like wind, solar and geothermal power.
Article: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/First+Nation+chiefs+stage+Site+showdown/10215965/story.html
Other sources: https://www.bchydro.com/energy-in-bc/projects/site_c.html