Opinion: Using Indigenous peoples as political pawns in resource development is simply wrong – The Globe and Mail

The situation within the Wet’suwet’en Nation is complex. I understand that a majority of that community supports the Coastal GasLink pipeline and LNG development if done in an environmentally responsible manner and with fair economic benefits and opportunities. But I am Anishinaabe. It is not my place to speak for or about the Wet’suwet’en people and their internal issues. I am deeply troubled by how their community has been used to advance a particular agenda. The last thing I want is to cause further division and conflict.

But I do want to make sure the Canadian public appreciates the unintended consequences that constant and systematic protesting against resource development in Indigenous territories has on all of us.

There were many decades when resources were taken from our communities without any consideration, let alone benefit, for our people. In fact, our territories suffered from terrible environmental effects, in many cases taking away our ability to hunt, fish, gather and enjoy the land.

Read More: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-using-indigenous-peoples-as-political-pawns-in-resource-development-is/