EnergyBC

First Nations (more...)

Any potential offshore oil and gas development in British Columbia will be the first of its kind to directly address the claims of First Nations tribes in regards to land claims and possible resources therein. Several tribes have expressed opposition to any development not only at a jurisdictional level, but also over concerns about the impacts of operations on traditional ways of life.

Land Claims	- the Nisga'a, Tsimshian, Haida, Haisla and Heiltsak First Nations have traditional territories surrounding the coastal waters that are currently being protected by the moratorium (SFU, 2004)
	- the Haisla, Heiltsak and Tsimshian Nations are going through a provincial treaty process
	- the Haida Nation has rejected the provincial treaty process by filing a lawsuit claiming title to Haida Gwaii (their traditional name for the Queen Charlotte Islands) and the surrounding waters
	- currently the federal and provincial governments do not acknowledge Aboriginal title claims to the ocean territories (Rankin, 2004)
Impact on Culture/Lifestyle	- Coastal First Nations peoples have traditionally depended on the region's numerous ocean resources as a way to fullfil their diets and also to supply a commodity to trade
	- the some of the nations have publicly stated that they want the moratorium maintained since offshore exploration could threaten the fishery resources that are a vital part of their life and culture

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