Anti-Canadian activists - whether ENGOs, celebrities or just plain old "pretendians" - these groups of people really do have something in common. Judging by their actions, they want to keep Indigenous communities from being economically independent.
Our Connection to the Land
Most Indigenous communities know that their land is some of the most abundant resource-filled land in Canada. In many instances, this land that once was considered barren and remote is now sought after for the resources it can provide.
Going through many entities of the Indian Act has left inter-generational trauma that many Indigenous people are still working through today – including economic challenges. But through natural resource development and the job and business opportunities that come with, we now can regain what was lost including our culture, communities, family, language, and identity as a whole.
For once in many generations, we now have the chance to become economically independent of Canadian governments by, once again, relying on our lands to provide.
Natural Resources and Business Opportunities
It’s important to point out the success stories within Indigenous communities to date in various sectors, including petroleum, rigs, pipelines, transmission lines, open pit mining, critical minerals, nuclear, wind/solar/hydro, and other related projects.
From LNG in British Columbia to oil and gas in Alberta to critical minerals in Ontario, First Nations are now becoming stakeholders and main beneficiaries of resource development across Canada.
The diversity of these projects are as diverse as the Indigenous communities themselves. Even though many First Nations are living in our cities, in many cases, the connection to their home reserve is strong with pride in community and land. Hence, being able to utilize our land in a way that does not disrupt biodiversity but creates economic prosperity and longevity for the community is the goal.
Most Indigenous people are not opposed to the idea of natural resource projects in their community now that respectful partnerships have been formed and stakeholders understand that the people want to be involved. The opportunities for First Nation, Métis and Inuit to be involved in business opportunities and/or in supporting roles of these critical economy-boosting projects lead to many Indigenous entrepreneurial contracts and, in many instances, the creation of long-term, well-paying careers that are often close to our home communities.
The only things that seem to slow Indigenous economic growth towards independence seem to be when some ENGOs (environmental non-government organizations), celebrities, and other pretendians get in the way of these opportunities for our people.
Canada’s economy is struggling, as is the Indigenous economy. Over the past several years, these anti-Canadian resource development activists have undermined opportunities for First Nations right across the country. But yet, we Indigenous people will not be deterred.
Worried About Our Independence?
Canada has over 210 recognized First Nations and over 70 Indigenous languages. Sometimes, these communities are so remote that they do not even have modern roads. However, even with these challenges, the connection between the Indigenous people is strong.
When one community is thriving due to the natural resource projects, in many instances, those benefits are shared with others – not unlike the diverse ethnic communities within urban cities that promote and support one another when they are successful and gain independence.
Is that what these anti-Canadian resource opponents worry about regarding Indigenous people becoming involved in natural resource projects? Are they worried we may become too independent, prosper, then thrive? Or are they in it for themselves and their own agenda?
The answer seems obvious.
If ENGOs Had Their Way…
If ENGOs and other obstructionists of the Indigenous resources sector got their way, history would repeat itself – their eco-colonialism would effectively force us to remain dependent on Canadian governments for subsistence for the foreseeable future.
Rather than having authentic truth and reconciliation with birthright Indigenous citizens of Canada – a step forward in correcting historical relations – these groups choose to block economic growth via natural resource development in First Nations communities every chance they get.
Like Canadians, why shouldn’t Indigenous communities be afforded the same economic opportunities provided by the land they live on? It’s absurd.
ENGOs, celebrities, and pretendians need to stay out of our way and stop with the gatekeeping and patronizing “cart before the horse” mentality. We need to be able to use our natural resources in Canada not only to get our economy back on track but also to usher in Indigenous economic independence while also supporting other countries' needs.
There is enough resources to go around and be developed for all Canadians and Indigenous peoples across the country. Now it is up to all stakeholders including private industry and government to ensure that this happens to ensure a strong and prosperous future for all of our communities.
About the Author
Estella Petersen is a heavy machinery operator in the oil sands out of Fort McMurray. She is from the Cowessess Reserve and is passionate about Canada and supporting Canadian natural resources.