Geoff Russ is a writer and columnist based in West Vancouver.The First Nations of British Columbia want to be builders.They should not have to wait on the permission of Ottawa or the provincial government to shape their own futures when it comes to economic development.In the past, politicians and activists in Victoria and elsewhere have turned the skepticism into opposition time and again, finding creative barriers to slow the entry of Indigenous entrepreneurs into areas like the energy sector.That is not progress, and as several nations in BC finally make that step into becoming economic leaders, the authorities should either help, or get out of the way.The Haisla Nation best exemplifies this sort of modern Indigenous leadership as they transform the northern coastal economy with the Cedar LNG project in Kitimat, in partnership with the Pembina Pipeline Corporation.Haisla Chief Councillor Crystal Smith has been a passionate advocate for the $3 billion project, which the Haisla have strived to complete for over a decade.Cedar LNG is slated to come online by 2028, creating 500 construction jobs and 100 permanent positions to help bring long-term growth to the local community..While the fossil fuel industry is often stereotyped as backwards or outdated, Cedar LNG has instead brought innovation by maximizing the use of hydroelectricity in its operations.Once built, Cedar LNG will be one of the lowest-emitting natural gas facilities in the world.Further north, the Nisga’a Nation co-owns both the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline and the Ksi Lisims LNG project, in collaboration with Western LNG.Running 800 kilometres across northern BC and costing $12 billion, PRGT is a massive undertaking that, together with Cedar LNG, will reshape the rural economy.Furthermore, they are statements of Indigenous self-determination and success in modern Canada.Nisga’a Nation Chief Eva Clayton has made it clear that part of their motivation is to showcase how Indigenous-led projects can set new standards for environmental protections and responsible economic growth.Despite this, there are significant and loud voices that still oppose other Indigenous projects, and one of those is unfortunately the federal government.For the past 18 years, the Kitasoo Xai’Xais Nation has embraced salmon farming to lift their community out of poverty.It has raised the community's adult employment rate to almost 99%, and almost eliminated the horrifying trend of suicide that once harmed the nation.Salmon farming generates 51% of the Kitasoo Xai’Xais’ income, and it would be a disaster if that disappeared.However, the federal Liberal government made the decision to ban open-net salmon farming last year, which could destroy the local economy and the jobs that come with the salmon farms.It is an injustice and runs contrary to Ottawa's stated goal of reconciliation..Kitasoo Xai’Xais Deputy Chief Councillor Isaiah Robinson spoke out strongly against this move, saying the government should respect Indigenous people's right to make their own economic decisions instead of giving in to activist voices.The current predicament of the Kitasoo Xai’Xais displays just how destructive government policy can be to Indigenous-led communities.First Nations are ready and willing to build strong, long-term economies to shape the future on their terms.The Haisla and the Nisga’a’s LNG projects and the Kitasoo Xai’Xais’ determination to hold onto their aquaculture success is proof of that. They will certainly not be the last First Nations who want to claim a piece of the future economy for themselves.A history of forced decisions and overbearance by the provincial and federal governments has dealt enough lasting damage to First Nations.When they move towards economic self-sufficiency, governments can either help, or should get out of the way.Genuine reconciliation requires First Nations to be able to act like nations.Geoff Russ is a writer and columnist based in West Vancouver.
