First nations who had been considered as a minority group are now playing an important role in the process of passing BC Hydro’s $8-billion Site C hydroelectric megaproject. They now have a powerful voice against the two levels of government and challenging them so as to take down the project.
Hydroelectric megaproject is considered as the most economic solution to the greenhouse gas emission problems. However there are many problems arise from the construction of the dam. It will significantly damage the ecosystem as well as natural habitat and wild animals inhabit around the area. More importantly, there is going to impair First Nation practices and their finish opportunities resulting in the strong opposition to this hydroelectric project.
B.C government cannot proceed to this project unless they obtain an approval from First nations and establish a partnership with them. To do so, it is necessary for the government to carefully negotiate with first nations because their historical relationships are rather complicated and there is still a conflict remaining between them. Here are some points I think the government should try in order to make obtain the approval from first nations. It is possible that some first nation people are interested in this project rather then objecting against it. Job opportunities for first nations are still limited in today’s society, thus the government can ensure that there is going to be more job opportunities from this new project. Secondly, the government can provide new facilities and a new area that all the first nations can use even after the dam construction. Thirdly, the government could also try to find the alternative way or location the hydroelectric project can be done. Canada possesses a huge amount of natural resources and land, so investigating that hydroelectric power would become a key. Lastly, the government should do more extensive and focus research on the project and how it can be done. At this point they are estimating that the dam will flood 83km of the river causing endangering wild animals inhabitant is that area. As the technology develops, there is always a better and efficient way of doing this at a low cost.
Establishing a partnership with another group of people is not a simple process that can be done by a brief discussion of few people. Partnership relations are about an exchange of views and ideas for the mutual benefits, hence respecting each other is utmost importance and should not be neglected.
Bibliography
O’NEIL, PETER. “First Nation Chiefs to Stage Site C Showdown.” Www.vancouversun.com. VANCOUVER SUN, 18 Sept. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.
MOORE, DENE. “First Nations Insist B.C. Choose between Site C Dam and LNG Projects in Peace River Region.” The Globe and Mail. The Canadian Press, 24 Sept. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.
“No Clear Yes or No on B.C.’s Mega-dam Site C Project.” The Globe and Mail. The Globe and Mail, 8 May 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.