The preferred approach is to "follow the money". That is, where are those that have the ability to finance or do business, putting there most valuable asset - cash? Simply stated: energy, entrepreneurs, and recreation.
Believe it or not our Nation is well placed to take advantage of these opportunities. I will cover the first item in this Blog and other 2 in subsequent Blogs.
The largest hydro-project in the history of Canada is about to get underway in our backyard. Plutonic Power will build as many as 30 micro-hydro generation sites in Toba and Bute Inlet, with hundreds of kilometres of transmission line corridors right through our traditional territory. The build-out on this project will be over 25 years, generate billions of dollars in investment, and create hundreds of permanent jobs, and literally thousands of jobs during the build out. All within our traditional territory - ask yourself this, "Where is our Nations involvement in this process?"
No where - nothing - nada...where not even at the table!
There is still time though to get involved in this mega-project...and we should. Here are the highlights - good and bad - that will impact our Nation:
- The project effectively removes thousands of acres of land from the Treaty process (for which we have received and will not receive any compensation).
- It will have permanent and lasting environmental impacts (which we could help mitigate and protect our interests in Salmon, aquaculture and tourism - to name just a few).
- Create millions of dollars in annual tax revenues and fees for which we will not share in.
- Employ hundreds of skilled and non-skilled workers - priority hiring will be given to other First Nations involved in the project.
- Provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in training in multiple trades, expertise and specialized services - priority will be given to other First Nations involved in the project.
- Direct compensation awards in the $$ millions for those Nations participating (none for those not at the table).
- Long-term investment in the projects - those Nations which participate in these projects will have options and opportunities in royalties (dividend payments) and investment in the projects themselves.
- A multitude of other spin-off opportunities, business opportunities for Nation, and outcomes which would directly benefit the Nation and its members.
The good news is that I know the people at Plutonic Power. They are people who will do what it takes to ensure Aboriginal interests, entitlements and opportunities are forefront and dealt with. All we have to do is step up to the table. Let's get on with it!
Effective leaders create change, instigate change and manage change to their advantage to create success...this is what I am all about!
Respectfully submitted,
Lawrence Lewis for Chief
