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Energy aboriginal leaders who are expected to make decisions that may permanently alter their cultural connection to traditional territories. The challenge of overlapping land claims shouldn't be underestimated, the lawyer said: "The specter of endless conflict among aboriginal groups, including litigation, may influence final investment decisions." Eyford has been there before. In 2008, he was appointed by Transport Canada to resolve a dispute holding up expansion plans for the Port of Prince Rupert, BC. Five First Nations were involved with unresolved claims; after years of litigation, the parties were entrenched. A process already four years old when he entered it, and which he anticipated would take months to conclude, ended up taking another three years. "A relationship that founders on the rocky shores of civil litigation can take a generation or two to turn around, because judicial proceedings tend to expose divisions between parties and deepen hostilities," Eyford observed. "Animosities have a tendency to linger and may frustrate the implementation of settlement agreements." Engaging in the Decisions While they have a "legitimate and genuine" interest in understanding the socio-economic impacts of energy projects, many First Nations lack adequate resources and expertise to deal with the vast array of proposals, the envoy stated. "There is a limit to what industry can do in terms of its engagement with First Nations," said Eyford. "Some issues require Crown [government] attention. Conversely, there is a need for governments to step in to assist project proponents where First Nations refuse to engage." It's all about "Heshook-ish tsawalk", Atleo says – "everything is one." Originally from Ahousaht on the west side of Vancouver Island, he explained that in the indigenous worldview, sharing is a central natural law requiring development of protocols for mutual understanding, recognition and respect. The protocols maintain balance and harmony of the whole. He cited the Cree of James Bay Nation, who attained international attention by speaking of shared economic and environmental interests driven by recognition, partnership and agreement. Today, the Cree is a regional economic powerhouse boasting $70 million a year in partnerships with neighboring jurisdictions and corporations across the country. They have control over decisions that affect their lives, their lands and their people. The same principles could be instrumental in British Columbia, where there are 30 First Nation languages and 203 First Nation title-holders along pipeline routes and in the middle of major development projects. A satisfactory HCT Has the Right Connections OEM style ORFS or CD62 4 bolt flange connections Higher safety standards Efficient designs with fewer connections, reduce the number of potential leak points Welded tube ends for maximum strength and durability. (continued on next page) Please visit us in CONDEX Booth 533. December 2013 | Construction Equipment Distribution | www.cedmag.com | 43