It is our experience in northern Quebec that
when those rights are recognized, that when
we are included in both the development and
the governance of our traditional lands, then
it is possible to create win-win situations for
all those concerned—for industry, for govern-
ment, and for Indigenous peoples. What we
have found is that once industry, whether it is
in the field of energy, mining, forestry or tour-
ism, understands that the recognition of Indig-
enous rights creates a high level of “certain-
ty” regarding the development of proposed
projects, then there are significant benefits to
companies operating on our traditional land.
The rules are clear, the procedures are clear,
all parties have a clear role to play, agree-
ments are negotiated which address commu-
nity concerns, and the potential for projects to
be de-railed because of Indigenous claims are
minimized, and development can proceed in a
much more rational and orderly fashion. And,
of course, this is all good for creating a healthy
investment climate, and ultimately, it is good
for business.
BEC: Can you give some concrete examples of
how this has played out in practice?
GC: The traditional territory of the Cree Na-
Cree Nation of Nemaska - Band Office
28 BUSINESS ELITE CANADA | JULY 2018
