This article is a great informational resource to gain a better understanding of the current Aboriginal relations issues that are currently unfolding in British Columbia.
For over a decade, the Alberta based company "Enbridge" has been making strong efforts to develop an oil pipe line from Northern Alberta to BC Coasts. The major issue with this project is that it would travel through over a hundred First Nations communities, and pass through several primary salmon spawning rivers. The First Nations communities are opposed to the idea because they fear their cultures being destroyed.
The article highlights all the wrong-doings of the company over the past 10 years. The most significant of which is when the company cut down 14 trees that had spiritual and cultural meaning. This act alone is symbolic of the relationship that the First Nations communities in Nortern BC that are united feel with Enbridge.
I'd highly suggest anyone who is interested in learning more about the current issues within Aboriginal relations in BC to read the article. It is quite lengthy, but definitely worth the read. It covers a lot, and leaves the reader with a basic understanding of why much of BC land is still under treaty negotiations.
Link to full article:
http://m.thetyee.ca/News/2012/01/16/Enbridge-First-Nations-Relations/
Excellent post / summary and an enlightening article. One aspect of the article that really stands out is how often simple communications blunders (and poor audience analysis) exacerbated negotiations.
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