Reservations brighter future?

“PM’s economic message divides the generations.”

So read the headline published in the GLOBE AND MAIL dated January 25, 2012 and written by a Bill Curry and Gloria Galloway.

“Houston, we have a problem.” Apollo 13 Astronaut Commander, James Lovell, uttered those now famous words while on a lunar mission in 1970. We all know “that problem” was solved after Lovell and his comrades returned to earth safely.

Still, long before then, the Canadian government figured they too had a problem. In fact, what the late Dr. Duncan Campbell Scott, then head of the Department of Indian Affairs, uttered in 1920 was the infamous statement, “I want to get rid of the Indian problem.”

Seems though, after all that time; there still is a problem.  The context of Dr. Scott’s infamous statement was the need to address Canada’s Indigenous occupancy of land across the country. Thus, the establishment of and the failed residential school system as Canada’s Aboriginal people refused the idea of a homogeneous society.  So, what is today’s problem?...and solution?

PM Harper did host a First Nations Summit on January 24, 2012 to perhaps address the problem… the dismal state of first nations affairs and situation across the country and tenuous relationship with Canada.

“Agenda focused on practical improvement sits well with new generation of leaders, but old guard stands firm on land rights. PM sees jobs as key to first nations future.”

Post 1920, division still outlines the relationship with the government and is clear amongst First Nations too.

Until the Indian Act is abolished, one must respect the Treaties with different First Nations and their approach to be treated separately unlike the finality of land claim agreements where communities work together to move forward with certainty on issues such as land rights, harvesting, economy, education, health care and ultimately some financial compensation. Treaties are subjected to interpretation and result in on-going issues of housing, land rights, education, and never ending annual allocation of money…and, some say, unaccountability.

Still, the PM refuses to scrap the Indian Act and instead, “Stephen Harper is pushing ahead with an agenda focused on practical steps to boost the economies of Canada’s reserves, pointing to a promising new generation of native leaders and entrepreneurs as examples of a brighter future.”

Astronaut Commander, James Lovell, did figure out the explosion of two oxygen tanks as the cause of their problem and found steps to address that cause. Stephen Harper and the first nations will need to figure out the cause of the current state of native reserves and their tenuous relationship with each other. I think that is the first “practical step.” Until then, generations will continue to be divided with no brighter future.

Pipeline rules or Aboriginal rules?

“Oil-sands pipeline hits its highest hurdle

Ottawa warns of foreign-financed “radicals” but opposition is led by a business-minded first nation.”

So read the headline published in the GLOBE AND MAIL dated, January 9, 2012 and written by a David Ebner.

“Public vetting of Enbridge’s proposed $6.6-billion Northern Gateway oil-sands pipeline begins Tuesday (Today, January 10, 2012).”

Someone has said, “The mother of all hearings starts today.”

So, is the Gateway pipeline approval a forgone conclusion? Yes, based on the National Energy Board  (NEB) and its history of approving projects, Some say it's a done deal. After all, the NEB’s motto is “In the National Interest.” But, the process, like most projects, will not be without any hurdles. Already, the government is weighing in and some say, are trying to meddle in the process.

Picture from the GLOBE AND MAIL

 “The Conservative government will bring forward new rules to greatly shorten environmental reviews of pipelines and other major projects, arguing that “radical groups” are exploiting the reviews to block proposals vital to Canada’s economic future.” So, what “new rules?” For one, a Timeline.

Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources has said, “…a definite timeline would provide certainty to the participants who are sponsoring the project.” Seems, from the government perspective, some say , if a company applies to build a pipeline, that company will “certainly” be approved.

Introducing new rules though does not omit the “highest hurdle”…Aboriginal opposition?

The arguments concerning native land rights and environmental impact promise a regulatory fight that could travel all the way to the Supreme Court. “The struggle to transport the harvest of Alberta’s vast oil sands enters a new arena this week – a village on the rugged British Columbia coast where the hopes of Canada’s biggest pipeline operator will meet a business-savvy first nation with little appetite for black gold.”

Enter the Haisla First Nation. They are doing business as well as any oil company. Still, regarding the construction of the proposed pipeline, Ellis Ross, Haisla chief councillor has said, “We don’t think that’s in the National Interest.”

The Hearings start today and is hosted by the Haisla First Nation. For the NEB, why not start at the highest hurdle…but it doesn’t mean it’s downhill from there.

Christmas Celebration...TooToo Celebration.

Predators’ Jordin TooToo celebrates sobriety

So read the headline published in USA TODAY dated December 27, 2011 and written by a Josh Cooper.

According to my blog archive, written exactly one year ago, December 30, 2010, a headline reads, “TooToo Train…Who’s to Blame?” which was a post in reaction to the headline, “Jordin TooToo’s big step,” a story published in the GLOBE AND MAIL. That article outlined how Jordin had checked himself into a Rehab Centre under the NHL substance abuse program.

Fast-forward one year…how is Jordin doing?

“…one year later he has morphed into a stronger hockey player, a diligent member of the Nashville and hockey communities and a role model for multiple people.”

For those with addictions, it can’t be easy, in fact, it must be a very difficult process. Usually, it has to start from one’s self. For quite some time, the Nashville Predator brass had encouraged him to get help as they had said to him, “You have a problem and you’re not helping our team, you’re not helping our teammates. You have to have trust in what those around you are saying. We all care about you, please do this for us. More importantly, please do this for yourself.”

Back then; he was an insecure person. Nashville’s coach Barry Trotz had said, “He is in a lonely place.”

It’s no secret; the plight of Aboriginal people across Canada includes alcohol abuse. With Jordin in the public eye, he can’t but be held as an example. Today though, he can be held as an example as someone who has overcome.

Jordin returned to playing hockey on February 19, 2010.

Don Cherry, color commentator for CBC Hockey Night in Canada, had mentioned how Jordin was a different man and congratulated him on his contributions in last year’s Stanley Cup playoffs.

How’s his performance so far this year?

“TooToo has continued his rugged style of play with an added offensive flair. He’s on pace to produce 34 points, which would top his previous career best of 18. He has 11 points in his last 14 games.”

Furthermore, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee established the Team TooToo fund in 2011. Its website says it helps “non-profits addressing suicide awareness and prevention, as well as non-profits supporting children and teens in need.”

Addressing any addiction starts from within. “I had it set in my gut that this was the time to fix things…but I didn’t know what to expect.” Apparently, only good things have happened.

Barry Trotz, Predators’ coach, has said, “He’s not so lonely anymore.”

Aboriginal Fighter...or an Aboriginal Fighter?

“First-nations youth inhabit two different spheres.

Students tell panel on native learning that they want to learn cultural traditions as well as receive a good education.”

So read the headline published in the GLOBE AND MAIL dated, November 22, 2011 and written by a Gloria Galloway.

Diversity seems key in the fabric of Canadian society, after all, the Canadian government defines multiculturalism as a government, “ committed to reaching out to Canadians and newcomers and is developing lasting relationships with ethnic and religious communities in Canada. It encourages these communities to participate fully in society by enhancing their level of economic, social, and cultural integration.”

One notices the issue of “education” is not included in the program of integration of those communities. Seems there is no need.

When downtown in any urban city, one does notice a number of ethic backgrounds seemingly well grounded in two different spheres: their respective cultural background and education.

So, what about Canada’s Aboriginal people?

“Children who live on native reserves often have their feet in two worlds when it comes to education and many are unprepared to sacrifice one for the other.”

And, it is not just native reserves but Inuit communities that face that challenge. So, anyone up for that challenge…perhaps a Kenzie Wilson?

“The 13-year-old who loves racing sled dogs across the ice near her home in Cross Lake in northern Manitoba say she wants to be a fighter pilot when she grows up. That means she has a lot of years of formal education ahead of her.”

A lofty and very achievable goal for a young kid but like most native communities…will there be any support?

Scott Haldane, the panel Chairman looking at proposed solutions for First Nations learning has said, “We’ve had opportunity to meet young people like Kenzie across the country who demonstrate that the resilience of first nations students is remarkable, and who have the potential to achieve whatever they want to achieve but don’t have the supports around them, generally speaking, to allow them to pursue that dream.”

When in most native communities and while most will agree, the lack of support for kids there has resulted in the notion that education is not important. The national dropout rates will attest.

Nevertheless, young Kenzie Wilson must be commended for her attitude, “My goal in life is to become a fighter jet pilot. I will do everything I can to reach my goal and education will help me do this.”

Here’s looking at you kid. We all need to touch base with you in ten years and hope you will be like most immigrants grounded in two spheres: your cultural background with an education.

Cost of Residential School...Billions, Cost of a brush-cut...Priceless

Cost of Residential School…Billions, Cost of a brush-cut…priceless.

“Cost of residential school redress rising. Final settlement package likely to be more than $5-billion as 29,000 expected to line up for additional compensation for abuse.”

So read the above headline in the GLOBE AND MAIL published November 19, 2011 and written by a Bill Curry.

A lot of us former Junior boys of Grollier Hall remember well how the former bully Nun, Sister Hebert, had lined us up for our annual brush-cut on that early September arrival; after all, for years prior, lining up like numbered cattle through a corral was a regular process. Today, some forty years later, as the above noted article implies, we’re still lining up like numbered cattle…this time, it’s the corral known as the Independent Assessment Process (IAP).

“…the IAP, which allows former students to tell their story in a private hearing – sometimes with the alleged abuser present. Government-appointed adjudicators listen to the stories of abuse and approve compensation, using a matrix that increase the payment based on the severity of the physical or sexual abuse and the severity of the long-term emotional impact on the former students.”

Little did we know back then while lining up for those “priceless” brush-cuts, the line up would continue some forty years later… this time to “tell your story.” How many stories?

“Twenty nine thousand. That’s Ottawa’s latest estimate of how many people will ultimately come forward with compensation cases for physical and sexual abuse suffered at Canada’s native residential schools.”

The month of September seems quite symbolic too, it is that month of 2012 that represents the deadline to “come forward” for Survivors to ensure some sort of compensation in the IAP process.

Let’s ensure the line up continues…this time not for that “priceless” brush-cut or just an apology…it’s you and your story.

Aboriginal Title?...Easy Answer.

ABORIGINAL TITLE

Certainty still a question in land rights and resource development.

Several issues make agreement between first nations and business interests difficult.

So read the headline published in the VANCOUVER SUN, November 12, 2011 and written by a Derrick Penner.

Sub-headlines to the article included, “Treaty gap, New projects, Finding opportunities, Finding a deal.”

Until there are land claim agreements south of 60 like north of 60 where land claim agreements abound, there will always be uncertainty in land rights and resource development including in British Columbia. That is the nature of the situation. You could say it’s a lawyer’s field of paradise where some have started and inevitably retired only to be replaced by up-and-comers.

Anyway, there is no “Treaty gap” north of 60. For example, we, the Inuvialuit (Inuit) of the Western Arctic were a part of the proposed area of Treaty 11. Thanks to our Elders, they figured a “treaty” between us and the government was not a good idea. Thanks to their foresight and patience, our land claim agreement known as the 1984 Inuvialuit Final Agreement outlines certainty in Aboriginal title, i.e. land selection, surface and sub-surface rights, wildlife management, socio-economic agreements, health care issues, consultation, etc, all allowing an aura of certainty.

South of 60?…”companies are still looking for clarity around what areas of the (BC) province are absolutely open, or absolutely closed…” Yes, Aboriginal title is still a question.

Regarding “New projects,” north of 60; no problem. One voice, the people; land claim agreements have sent the lawyers home.

“However, from the (BC) province’s perspective, it is difficult to create any type of template for consultation and accommodation of first nations’ interests, according to Mary Polak, Minister of (BC) Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, because those interests vary so widely between first nations.” Mary goes on to say, “Treaties would be the most comprehensive and final way to addressing recognition.” History has shown though, treaties have been too vague and have resulted in uncertainty. Comprehensive land claim agreements north of 60 have created a lot of certainty. Many new projects there have started or pending and will last for many years to come.

Regarding “Finding opportunities” north of 60; ... no problem. Finding opportunities with oil and gas and the mining sectors abound with the proposed Mackenzie Gas Project and the already established diamond mining projects, let alone the eco-tourism sector that offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for tourists; i.e, northern lights, fishing, expeditions, and big-game hunting.

Mary Polak goes on to say, “Can we find something that meets the requirements and desires of all first nations across the province and (non-aboriginal) communities and business interests across the province? I’m not sure.” I guess one should point Mary north of 60 where finding opportunities with land claim agreements have added a lot of certainty.

Regarding “Finding a deal” north of 60, you guessed it, no problem. However, regarding south of 60, lawyers like Keith Bergner has said, “The duty is to consult, not a duty to agree.” Treaties demand consultation while land claim agreements demand an agreement with consultation…that is certainty. Unity and land claim agreements have done a lot for positive consensus of aboriginal groups in “finding a deal” including the Mackenzie Gas Project.

Perhaps, the above noted headline should read, “Certainty will always be a question in land rights and resource development…south of 60”

Pipeline, Politcians...Hollow?

“Enbridge touts support, but others call deals “hollow.”

So read the headline published in the GLOBE AND MAIL, dated Thursday, August 25, 2011 and written by a Nathan Vanderklippe.

Seems the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline to the BC west coast from near Edmonton is another headliner. Last blog posted was headlined, “Pipeline to west coast will be tough to stop.” There, the premise then was noted as a metaphor of a “slow train coming.” It’s just a matter of time. Seems too, the above noted article is feeding that premise. This time, it’s “let’s make a deal.”

Deal?...so who with?

Enbridge Inc. said it has lined up critical industry support for its proposed Northern Gateway pipeline to ship Canadian crude to Asia. Like a seasoned politician, Enbridge won’t say whom with. All the National Energy Board (NEB) has received from Enbridge are “Precedent Agreements” from major oil producers. So, what’s the deal?

“Under the agreements, would-be oil shippers are not obligated to send a drop of crude through the pipe.” Surely, based on experience with the NEB, economists there will want assurance rather the speculation before a permit is issued.

Still, Enbridge’s ploy seems to follow that old adage, “if you build it, they will come.” For some, it’s not that simply.  Those “precedent agreements” are non-binding, i.e. if you commit no money, no oil, (you will) receive no financial penalty for backing out.

“That prompted one lawyer who has analyzed the agreements to call Enbridge’s claims of commercial support “hollow.”

Don’t forget too, the proposed project lacks the support of the biggest hurdle in the way: British Columbia as a whole that includes a lot of First Nations.

Yes, there still is a slow-train coming. The NEB still has a job to do to ensure the project makes economic sense and especially make Enbridge disclose bona fide deals. After all,  “hollow” agreements or deals will not fill those pipes.