LITTLEJOHN: How to get First Nations onside for independence

At first glance, this is somewhat surprising given the federal government’s historically backward relationship with First Nations. As Stephen Buffalo, head of the Indian Resource Council, expressed in a Financial Post column:

“The Liberal government cancelled the Northern Gateway Pipeline without consulting properly with indigenous peoples in the region. The government unilaterally imposed a ban on tankers along the West Coast, again without discussing the economy-destroying impact of this decision on Indigenous peoples. The same is true of the moratorium on oil and gas exploration in Arctic waters. And Ottawa’s management of the Trans Mountain Pipeline again has privileged the views of environmental groups much more than oil- and gas-producing nations, putting at risk a project that had the potential to bring great benefits to our communities.” 

Roy Fox, Chief of the Kainaiwa, added: “There are 26 oil-producing First Nations in Western Canada. The current economic situation in Alberta has cost the families of oil and gas producing nations several thousands of dollars a year.”

Policies that are bad for the West are bad for Western First Nations. Additionally, if the First Nations seeking to purchase the Trans Mountain Pipeline are successful, their frustrations with Ottawa are likely to grow.

But given the history of broken promises and paternalistic policies, no one can blame First Nations for having doubts about Western independence. The treaties are far from perfect, but they have legal status and years of Supreme Court decisions offering a degree of certainty. To walk away with only a hope and a prayer for something better would be foolhardy. 

Those supporting independence will have to engage in consulting and negotiating with all 45 First Nations in three treaty regions in Alberta, the 70 First Nations across seven treaty areas in Saskatchewan, as well as Métis communities. It would require time and effort, but they have a right to be heard, and this could be a grand opportunity both for First Nations and all Westerners. A new relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and a partnership working together to confront modern challenges would be beneficial for all. 

Here are a few ideas that might entice more enthusiasm from First Nations for independence.  At a minimum, there should be an acknowledgement of the right to self-government and respect for the treaties. 

1. Land.  Alberta is 661,848 sq.-kms – larger than central Europe – with approximately 8,127 sq.-kms of reserve land. Some – if not all – First Nations would be interested in increasing the size of their lands. Alberta is a big place and holds many Crown lands in reserve that could be shared with First Nations. 
2. Resource revenue or royalty sharing.  Many First Nations are already deeply involved with oil and gas companies. The Fort McKay First Nation and Mikisew Cree First Nation own a 49 per cent equity interest in the Suncor East Tank Farm. A group of First Nations are seeking to purchase the Trans Mountain pipeline from the federal government. 
   
   Sharing royalties more widely makes sense as all First Nations are looking for ways to reduce poverty and help their people. Royalty sharing would be a concrete step towards reconciliation, reducing poverty and integrating into the broader economy of the West. 
3. Seats in a Western Parliament. For over 150 years the Maori in New Zealand have had designated seats in their parliament to ensure representation. Maori are able to register to vote in regular constituencies, or the Maori seats. Despite the fact that Alberta First Nations have self-government, they too are affected by laws passed elsewhere. Dedicated seats in the legislature would lead to more collaboration and respect.

The idea of holding a referendum on independence without first engaging in dialogue with First Nations would be counterproductive. But we have a strong case to make that Ottawa’s rule is unfair to Westerners and Alberta First Nations alike. Independence could be an opportunity for a substantively better partnership between First Nations and other Westerners, but it would require time and work. For good or for ill, all Westerners are in this together.

Tessa Littlejohn is a columnist for the Western Standard