Perry Bellegarde, the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations

Release Date: February 2, 2016 In advance of the First Nations Forum on Energy being held in Vancouver from Feb 10-11, NationTalk sat down with Perry Bellegarde, the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, for his perspectives on the topic of energy and the economy.

National Chief Bellegarde outlines a range of messages coming from Chiefs across Canada reflecting an openness to development, as well as economic and employment growth, but not at the cost of trampling on opportunities for equity ownership or a disregard for the environment.

Furthermore, First Nations leaders want to ensure that the government is being held accountable in their commitment to respect First Nations jurisdiction and to the range of commitments made while campaigning for election.

He goes on to highlight how the Energy Forum provides an opportunity for First Nations, governments and industry to create an avenue for collaboration and cooperation which will benefit not only the parties involved but more importantly contribute to an overall stronger and certain economic future for Canada.

For more information, visit www.firstnationsenergy.ca

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