First Nations Major Projects Coalition in town

PRINCE GEORGE – In the heels of significant protest around a pipeline project in Northwest BC, industry and First Nations are gathered in Prince George to look at ways to collaborate on major projects.

“It helps our members connect with business so that there can be a better, more mutual understanding of what the priorities are,” explains Niilo Edwards, Executive Director for the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, which is made up of First Nations from across the west, but predominantly from B.C.

The aim is to isolate ways industry and First Nations can work together on major projects to their mutual benefit.

“When you are empowered to make your own decision based on your community values, that’s the key principle that we’re focused on, to see themselves within the project and to take business to the next level; they’re working with communities to co-develop the projects for the future. I can’t think of a greater way to broaden the independence of our members than to empower them to be in the driver’s seat of their own futures.” In this day of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, there is no other resource for industry. But the Public Policy expert from the University of Saskatchewan says that should be approached with caution.