When I first saw this announced, it was pretty clear to me that it was a shakedown. But it's the FN's land, and they can do pretty much whatever they want. Given that it *is* their land and their home, I think that this approach is no worse than a $5K/plate dinner in support of a politician. It's all about access and influence.

I think that the meeting should go forward, as scheduled, and with the "meeting fees" in-place. It's a small price to pay to get cooperation and access to the FN land. But I'd hope that the FN's get the money themselves, not the promoter.

How much did the blockade cost the companies this winter? If contributing to the FN's coffers would have prevented the blockade, then it's well worth the expense, IMHO.