Crystal Smith and Eva Clayton: Indigenous natural resources development is an efficient, fair, and responsible way to advance economic reconciliation – The Hub
July 4, 2025
Canada’s First Nations have emerged as leaders, not just partners, in driving the next generation of sustainable natural resources development across the country. The process of economic reconciliation has been long and is by no means complete.
Even now, the government of Prime Minister Mark Carney is looking to implement Bill C-5, which will fast-track projects of national interest. In the past, efforts to fast-track projects have bypassed Indigenous rights and led to mistrust and disappointment for Indigenous communities and project proponents alike.
This time has the potential to be different if First Nations can continue to lead the development of projects in our lands. Leadership means having a meaningful seat at the table, which includes the right to share in benefits and the right to ensure our traditional knowledge and practices are integrated into project design and development at the front end.
