BEC: Some companies worry that if we rec-
ognize these rights then Indigenous peoples
will use these rights to interfere with develop-
ment projects and either delay or entirely halt
such projects from going ahead. So, why do
you think it is good for business to recognize
Indigenous rights?
Grand Chief: The idea that Indigenous people
want their rights recognized for the sole pur-
pose of creating an obstacle to development
is a myth that is perpetuated by those people
who do not want to see change of any kind. As
the original inhabitants of this land, we have a
vested interest in what happens on the land.
In many places across Canada our Indigenous
peoples still practice the traditional hunting
Opening of the Cree Cultural Center with Stornoway’s Diamond mine workers near Mistissini
JULY 2018 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA 25
