By John Jack, Special to the Vancouver Sun
May 26, 2015
First Nations are often in the news because they are opposed to resource and industrial development. There was a time when resource industries avoided First Nations for fear of what the First Nations might do to stop things from happening.
All too often, the reasons for opposition have been inadequately portrayed. Dozens of stories confirm how value was generated on First Nations lands without First Nations involvement or benefit.
It is true First Nations leaders stand for environmental protection and preservation but they also stand for principled and sustainable economic development in which their people benefit as well.