A major shift in relations between First Nations and the rest of Canada is the assertion of existing treaty rights, especially regarding land and resources.
Representatives of the Williams Treaty First Nations recently made deputations at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission hearing based on the principle of the duty to consult. This principle calls on governments at all levels to ensure Indigenous people’s input is considered before any changes or developments.
It can cause great tension. This was most clear when hereditary chiefs held up a liquid natural gas pipeline in British Columbia over the past few years.
Listen to this interview from December 2023. Alderville Chief Taynar Simpson will explain the duty to consult and respond to critics who argue it is a form of NYBISM.
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