from IC Magazine
With the new battle emerging over yet another controversial tarsands project–Transcanada’s proposed conversion and expansion of the Energy East pipeline–we here at IC Magazine would like to note the importance of non-indigenous activists, networks and organizations allying themselves with any First Nations that may be affected by the pipeline project.
As primary stakeholders whose rights and cultures are inextricably linked to the land, First Nations must play a central role in any organizing and gathering that takes place throughout the effort to stop the project.
All non-indigenous actors, whether paid or volunteer, can adopt the principle of Do No Harm by engaging in a process of consultation with indigenous stakeholders. This is to avoid the actions of the former having a negative impact on the rights of the latter.
Non-indigenous actors can take this even further by obtaining the Free, Prior and Informed Consent of their indigenous neighbors.
We can simply say that it is the right thing to do; but the truth is, their is a moral imperative at play since it puts into practice the very principle that Transcanada studiously avoids so they can get their way.
For your information, here is a list of First Nations that may be affected by the pipeline project, courtesy of the Council of Canadians
