46 BCBusiness december 2014
CANADA'S PIPELINE DIALOGUE
LAWS OF THE
LAND
Now more than ever, Western Canada's energy sector
needs to earn the trust and consent of First Nations if it
hopes to expand its pipeline infrastructure
by Dee Hon
||
PHoToGRAPHy by Joey PoDLUbny
M
ARTIN LOUIE, CHIEF OF THE 500-mEmbER
Nadleh Whut'en First Nation, stands in a gravel-strewn clearing
overlooking Fraser Lake in B.C.'s Northern Interior. Strands of long,
greying hair flutter across his eyes, catching on the thin creases in
his face. A few dozen people, squinting into the late-August sunlight,
watch as the chief begins to speak, including a handful of teenagers
holding traditional drums and grandmothers watching over their
grandchildren. Among the gathered are nine men standing in a semi-
circle facing Louie—chiefs and other leaders who represent some of the
nearby First Nations, including the Tsilhqot'in, Wet'suwet'en and Gitxsan.
Five of the men wield ceremonial hatchets made with moose hooves.
