DISQUS

Namgis Urban Native · 3 months ago

The Namgis treaty will only benefit the select few, whom are trying to push this treaty through, without a clear mandate from the membership, I might add!

InMyHonestOpinion · 3 months ago

The question brings up the great debate of political economy. The North Island, just like Canada, is resource dependent. What we benefit is Transnational Corporations (TNC) by way of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to come and get next-to-free resources at rock-bottom global prices and cheap labour. Is that a benefit? Or is this treaty a chance to keep ownership of resources local and retain some of that economy locally? If this treaty is done right, by way of involving the Namgis members with free, prior, and informed consent, the membership can then opt for more local control of resources (at least 51%), then this treaty and others on the North Island and within BC would be GREAT! Because local governments can not depend on growth of employment due to flighty capital and the global economic crisis, aboriginal self government should focus on control of resources. As it stands now this treaty agreement is not a benefit for the North Island.

"We are all Keynesians now!" - Milton Friedman Quote to President Nixon regarding the failure of unfettered capitalism.

band member · 3 months ago

As a member of Namgis First Nation I would vote no. Consultations with the membership have been minimal. They have never produced a financial or business plan to the membership for discussion. We have not had an AGM for over six years. They have negotiated away resources like Orca Sand & Gravel that has left us in an inferior position in regards to resources. If this is an indication of what self govenment will look like then it begs the question of who will benefit specifically.

anniecha · 3 months ago

Well put and of course Orca Sand plans to add land that needs to be consulted with the Fort Rupert & Nimkish band,or did they?