The Right to Say Yes on Resource Projects: Ken Coates – Inside Policy

For the last few decades, Indigenous communities fought for the right to have a say in resource projects. In earlier generations, major resource and infrastructure projects were imposed on traditional territories without consultation, engagement, and collaboration. In some instances, these projects did severe environmental damage or caused major social and cultural disruptions.

Indigenous peoples were frustrated by being left out of these development activities and associated economic benefits. So they went to court, fighting for the right to be consulted on resource developments and to receive appropriate compensation for the use of Indigenous lands and resources.

The roots of this struggle go back to the 1970s and the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry led by Thomas Berger and the James Bay Cree protests over the proposed Hydro Quebec projects on their lands. In the process, Indigenous people spoke out against major developments and secured both a say in the launch of projects and assurances of financial and other economic returns over time.

Read More: https://www.macdonaldlaurier.ca/right-say-yes-resource-projects/