Blessing on board the Rt. Hon. Paul E.
Martin. Party includes the senior Kwakiutl
hereditary chief, the hereditary and elected
chief of the 'Namgis, respected elders from
each band, the mayor of Port McNeill and
the founder of Polaris Minerals Corporation.
Photograph : Polaris Minerals Corporation W I N T E R 2 0 1 4
93
R
ecent legal decisions – some by the Supreme Court of Canada – have
had profound effects on the interests of First Nations. In June 2014, for
example, the Supreme Court granted the Tsilhqot'in Nation's request
for Aboriginal title over land in B.C., while stipulating that provincial
laws and regulations still apply on the land in question.
AME BC responded that the outcome will enable further investment from the
minerals sector and could create jobs and economic opportunities for all citizens of
B.C., including the Tsilhqot'in Nation itself. Furthermore, the consistency regard-
ing title and decision-making generated by the Supreme Court decision will attract
investment in the province.
This article looks at the relationships between aggregate operators in B.C. and
the First Nations with whom their operations bring them into contact. While some
operators have minimal or no contact at all with First Nations, some companies find
such associations extremely beneficial.
TWO B.C.
AGGREGATES
COMPANIES
CAPITALIZE ON
STRONG AND
FRUITFUL LINKS
WITH FIRST
NATIONS
By Michael Schwartz
Co-operation
brings success