BC Hydro’s $8-billion hydroelectric megaproject is a development plan that cannot be easily executed due to the macro-economic, political and other factors prohibiting the project from going forward (O’Neil).

Since constructing this hydroelectric dam involves flooding a vast area of First Nations land in BC, these stakeholders are doing whatever it takes to preserve their monumental land. However, to promote partnership with the First Nations, the Canadian government and BC Hydro must first understand the ultimate concern of the First Nations. If the land is flooded for the development of a hydroelectric project, they will not be able to hunt or fish, which are activities that they do daily as a living, and have become part of their culture. Furthermore, the First Nations are also concerned about the negative impacts that the project will bring to their bands, as the dam will be of close proximity to their living compounds.

To resolve these issues, possible strategies can be to offer and guarantee employment for the First Nations on this project. This can alleviate their concerns on the inability to make a living through fishing and hunting from the area. Investments in research and development can also allow for the population to be more supportive and trusting of this advancement, allowing many stakeholders and industries to benefit.

BC Hydro’s Proposed Site C Dam

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Work Cited

O’Neil, Peter. “First nation chiefs to stage Site C showdown.” www.vancouversun.com N.p., 18 Sept. 2014. Web. 5 Oct. 2014.