While this seems like a step in the right direction theoretically, I'm not sure how this will play out with the local First Nations Villages. The purpose of this advisory council is not exactly clear. They sure marched out some big names in Aboriginal Politics, however, I would have liked to see someone from one or more of the local communities involved.
Our Aboriginal population in Canada is divided up into literally hundreds of individual Bands. For instance, most of Northwest Ontario are members of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. This is further divided into smaller groups. The Matawa First Nation encompasses Webequie and Marten Falls (Ogoki Post) They have little to nothing to do with Western Canada, Alberta or the Tsuu T'ina First Nation. I fear a resentment from local communities at having "token" politically recognizable Aboriginals who do not understand the local way of life - hunting, fishing, etc. come in to tell NOT - or anybody for that matter - what is best for them.
I hope I'm wrong, and quite possibly am, but I think it was an oversight to not have some local representation on this committee. It would be akin to having a Australian come to Yellowknife to help explain to an American exploration company how to relate to Canadians. Sure the Australian is white like us, but can he explain better to that American company how to relate to us than we can? Ok, so we're not all white, but my point is that just because Mr Asp and Mr Whitney are Aboriginal, they're not necessarily the same as the folks of the Matawa First Nation and it may seem presumtuous and condescending to some to assume they can walk in and speak for a people. There is a lot of politics involved here. How would any of us feel if someone came to drill in our back yard and brought in consultants from the other side of the country? We'd see them as being "in the pocket of the big money." Or I would anyway.
Hopefully none of this comes to pass and I can gladly admit that I was wrongly pessimistic. Thats my short, sadly lacking socio-political lesson for the day. Good night.
