An oil company proposes an oil pipeline requiring an easement through treaty territory; this is land over which an Indigenous group has treaty rights.
The oil company is pushing to get started working right away. The local First Nation has yet to reach consensus on this development. You are a consultant on the case, and it is your job to mediate the conversations and help people understand one another.
[[Conversations Begin]]
You find yourself in a spacious community hall, where representatives from the oil company and the local First Nation have gathered to meet.
[[You choose to start the discussion with a land acknowledgment. Explain your reasoning. ]]
[[You choose to start the discussion by acknowledging the oil company’s interests and the First Nation’s interests in the project. Explain your reasoning. ]] ''Chapter 2: Acknowledging the Land''
The First Nation emphasizes the deep historical and cultural ties the community has with the land. The conversation then shifts towards a shared understanding of the importance of preserving the land and mitigating environmental impacts.
[[You turn to the First Nation and ask for their guidance. You are seeking traditional ecological knowledge. Explain your reasoning. ]]
[[ You propose everyone look at the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for guidance. Explain your reasoning.]] The First Nation emphasizes the deep historical and cultural ties the community has with the land. The conversation then shifts towards a shared understanding of the importance of preserving the land and mitigating environmental impacts.
[[You turn to the First Nation and ask for their guidance. You are seeking traditional ecological knowledge. Explain your reasoning. ]]
[[ You propose everyone look at the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for guidance. Explain your reasoning.]] UNDRIP emphasizes that Indigenous Peoples should be compensated appropriately and in accordance with terms outlined in treaty agreements. Therefore, you mention that the First Nation should benefit from revenue sharing for the pipeline project.
As well, UNDRIP emphasizes protection over the land and Indigenous Peoples’ inherent right to the land. Therefore, you mention that there should be investigation into how the pipeline will impact the land.
[[You propose an environmental impact study (EIS). The purpose of an EIS is to provide information about the likely environmental impacts of a project; this includes the analysis of air quality, water quality, soil conditions, biodiversity, and other relevant factors. Explain your reasoning.]]
[[You suggest creating a joint committee for revenue sharing. Explain your reasoning.]] The First Nation representatives share that Moose and caribou use the wetlands for breeding and they are an important food source in the region for community.
In addition, the First Nation representatives share that they are interested in job creation and economic development opportunities for their community. In response, the oil company shares their commitment to providing job opportunities and revenue sharing.
[[You propose an environmental impact study (EIS). The purpose of an EIS is to provide information about the likely environmental impacts of a project; this includes the analysis of air quality, water quality, soil conditions, biodiversity, and other relevant factors. Explain your reasoning.]]
[[You suggest creating a joint committee for revenue sharing. Explain your reasoning.]] You emphasize the importance of taking care of the land. Negotiations begin, and both parties work towards agreements that prioritize respect for Indigenous land rights.
The meeting ends for the day. Great start!You emphasize the importance of revenue-sharing agreements that are equitable. Negotiations begin, and both parties work towards agreements that respect Indigenous land rights and benefit Indigenous economies.
The meeting ends for the day. Great start!