INSTRUCTIONS FOR FIRST LEARNING CELL SEPT.

16, 2016
1. Carefully read over the general explanation and instructions on how
to prepare for Learning Cells. These are found in the MGB 510
Course Outline in Course Spaces. Make sure you understand these
so that you can prepare fully.
2. TEAMS: For this Learning Cell, you will work in the teams you are
already assigned to.
3. INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT: The Learning Cells are group exercises,
however, as noted in the Course Description, it is an individual
assignment, in that EACH STUDENT must prepare a set of TWO
QUESTIONS (which you will put forward, in turn, to your cell mates
for discussion), and his/her own answers/discussions points, for the
questions. The quality of your questions (and, therefore, the
discussions that they are able to stimulate), will be graded.
4. EACH STUDENT: Have a copy of your Questions and Answers ready
for when it is your turn to lead the Learning Cell. ALSO, hand in a
PRINTED COPY of your Questions and Answers to John AT THE
BEGININNG OF THE CLASS.
5. TOPIC AREAS FOR YOUR QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (and, obviously,
for the discussions): Anything related to the subject matter for the
Sept. 16th class: the posted readings; the Kitimat Clean case,
especially as it relates to the readings
6. GRADING: This Learning Cell represents 10% of the grade for the
course.

Consider the Aboriginals communities side of the story: Past legislations like the
Royal Proclamation of 1763 and, post-Confederation, the Indian Act of 1876, greatly
restricted the political and economic autonomies of their societies. Fast forward to
our modern contemporary world, Aboriginals are experiencing a paradigm shift of
reinvigoration in self-esteem and self-reliance of their identity; to improve
intergovernmental relations; in progress to restore recognition (acknowledgement)
of their cultural identity and heritage through a combination of political and
economic reforms.

How would you describe the importance of Aboriginal acknowledgement in

North America shapes the direction for resource-based projects, in terms
of developing trust?
The fundamental objectives of the modern law of Aboriginal and treaty rights is the
reconciliation of Aboriginal peoples and non-Aboriginal peoples and their respective
claims, interests and ambitions. To foster relationships, it requires a foundation of
trust, built on constructive dialogue, understanding interests, and a commitment to
find solutions, together. Articles 25-29 and 32 of the UNDRIPS, further reflect First
Nations strong commitment to environmental sustainability and protection; a
culturally-embedded tradition that transcended into many generations. Similarly, we
can compare this concept of trust to our own cultural upbringings and how it
reflects into our own environments. The key here is to realize that building trust
should not be viewed differently; they are organically similar in every community.
What differs is the level of delivering respect, transparency and consistency in
communication
Therefore, this commitment of creating trust between Canada and Aboriginal
communities is critical for environmental negotiations. When we consider business
contexts, we need to ensure both parties are aligned with the same objectives and
also be able to deliver and execute with team coordination. Overall, trust can build
cooperation; and as a result, generate more productive dialogue about energy
development, environmental sustainability and action(s) to implement the highest
standards of pipeline and marine safety.
First Nations are not against development; they need to see responsible
development in resource projects. Locations of traditional Aboriginal territories
indeed gives Aboriginals legal and political leverages in advancing resource project
demands. At the same time, Aboriginal representatives have an interest in
partnerships with the Canadian Government and industry on a range of issues.
Moreover, successful Aboriginal energy businesses could serve as innovating
models for other Aboriginal enterprises to follow.
In what ways should Canada do to receive approval and build healthy
partnerships with Aboriginal groups, in future resource development
projects?
Historically, Aboriginal Canadians have not benefited from natural resource
developments to the same degree as non-Aboriginal Canadians. Therefore, the

Canadian government should consider to foster inclusion to work together to

advance shared interests (goals) of the Aboriginals and government to encourage
constructive relationships. Support can be added into Aboriginal participation in
marine and pipeline management and emergency response planning (through job
creations); training and developing flexible and innovative models to facilitate
Aboriginal participation in economic development projects.
As seen with the issues in Kitimat case addressed, what Canada should then do is to
coordinate and have all key stakeholders participate Aboriginal groups,
governments, industry, NGOs, and related-field corporations to work together to
advance safety and strategies to mitigate potential impacts of environmental
damages. Furthermore, Canada should also ensure preparations of a response plan
are publicly available.