AFN's bid for more economic inclusion could include pipelines
When it comes to the future of the Trans Mountain pipeline, the Assembly of First Nations' national chief says it's time for the government to include Canada's Indigenous population as they push more natural resources to international markets.
The organization, which represents chiefs from more than 600 First Nations, recently announced they would take part in the British Columbia government's court challenge against the pipeline expansion project.
When asked about the motivation to participate, National Chief Perry Bellegarde said they felt the need to protect their own interests as provincial and federal government feud over who has authority over the flow of oil through B.C.
The provincial government is asking for a ruling on whether they have the jurisdiction to regulate companies that ship bitumen and whether restrictions can be placed on those companies.
After a dispute that lasted months, culminating with an ultimatum from the company, Ottawa announced in May that the federal government would be buying the pipeline from Kinder Morgan for $4.5 billion.
From cases in court to meetings in cabinet, Bellegarde said it's time for First Nations to get involved to assert the right to self-determination.
"Wherever our rights are going to be talked about ... we need to be there to make sure that our rights and titles are respected and honoured and implemented," he told The House.
"Include us sooner than later and you're going to find that economic reconciliation, that economic balance."
He wouldn't say whether he was in favour of the pipeline expansion, based on its economic value.
But boosting the economic profile of First Nations in Canada is only part of the work Bellegarde is undertaking as he begins his second term as national chief.
Tackling housing, water quality and the high rate of Indigenous children in foster care are also top his agenda as he pushes a theme of moving beyond the Indian Act — the 150-year-old law which the federal government used to grant status and manage reserve lands and communal monies.
"When we have the same quality of life as everyone else in Canada, then it's done," Bellegarde said.