Indigenous participation in resource developments: Is it a choice?

Abstract

Abstract As a $32B LNG project is being constructed in northwest BC with others in the planning or investment decision process, Indigenous Peoples have received funding for education, training and employment (ETE) to increase their participation in these developments. However, boomtown effects are inevitable. In this study, socio-economic information is collected from a First Nation likely to be affected, along with key informant interviews from five sectors who are involved in large resource developments. Although survey results showed that high school graduation rates (16%–34%), university education rates (4.5%–7.3%) and unemployment rates (29.2%–17.2%) improved for on-reserve members between 2006 and 2016, many continue to struggle economically, and barriers continue to prevent them from participating in ETE. Interview results conducted with First Nations in northwest BC, industry and government, showed ETE was ranked first by all except First Nations, who ranked social historical issues and barriers as most important to address to move towards a sustainable future. It is clear more resources are required to reduce the socio-economic barriers that Indigenous Peoples face as a remnant of colonization, while at the same time ensuring that boomtown effects are managed to allow for participation in the LNG industry.