Ep. 329: Are First Nations and NGOs a good fit?

Guest: Chris Sankey

Chris Sankey says, "It's time for NGOs to butt out of First Nations business.

What they are doing is tantamount to environmental colonialism." Sankey wants outsiders to stay in their lane and stop pretending to speak for First Nations.

He says, "NGOs show up to run a campaign where it suits their interests and once they have thwarted a resource development they leave. And when they leave, they leave that First Nation doomed to further poverty."

Sankey says First Nations now have a place at the table and on the balance sheet of resource development. That place in Canadian history was not available to First Nations until landmark court cases recognized the inherent right to consult and participate in development on traditional lands.

Resource development for many First Nations provides access to economic opportunities that create jobs and support community infrastructure. These are the building blocks of an improvement in quality of life and self actualization.

Sankey says, "Now, along come these NGOs who have an agenda that, in essence, tells us to forego these opportunities and destine ourselves to continued poverty. I'd like them to stay out of our business."

We invited Chris Sankey to join us for a Conversation That Matters about why it is time for First Nations to speak up and tell others to butt out.