All businesses have external factors that pose threats on operations, however, industries in natural resources such as mining and forestry face challenges and delays in projects because of relationships with First Nations.

Take Taseko Mining for example. They have proposed their New Prosperity mine, which would take place near Fish Lake, but failed to get the rights to proceed because of environmental risks, and because the First Nations claimed the land as theirs and is used as a tribal park.

Should businesses be allowed to carry on with projects to increase jobs and the GDP, or should the land be preserved in the hands of the indigenous peoples – the ones who are the rightful owners of the land we live on? The issue of land rights is a controversial, yet common one in BC. Our very own UBC sits on Native land, and we proudly recognize this. Of course, it is important to leave certain areas alone, as the land is rightfully theirs, but these companies are able to provide jobs and stimulate the economy.

Personally, I believe that the First Nations should have the say on what goes on their lands. However, the operations of industries like mining and forestry are also important to the economy, so there should be limited regions in which they are allowed to proceed with environmentally sound projects.

Photo: http://www.antaresmultienergi.com/wp-content/uploads/indonesia_mining_consult.jpg