The intersection of First Nations and the provincial and federal governments over land-use approval is the key focus of the Resource North Association's second annual Co-operative Land Management Conference, which runs today and Wednesday at the Civic Centre.
"It is more important than ever for aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities, governments and all natural resource sectors to understand each other's priorities and how best to engage with each other to reach success," said the association's chair Stephanie Killam, mayor of Mackenzie. "We know that the people of northern B.C. are both excited at the benefits new projects and resource developments will bring, but also want to fully understand and address the potential challenges. What are the social, cultural, environmental and economic implications of the collective set of current and proposed development for the north? How do we achieve all our goals together as a region? Now is the time to have these conversations and RNA is pleased to create a forum for positive, interactive discussion about the most important issues facing northern B.C. today and tomorrow."
Killam will co-host the event with Lheidli T'enneh First Nation chief Dominck Frederick. The list of headliners includes private sector industrialists, government experts and elected officials, academics, environmental and sustainability thinkers, aboriginal figures, and more.
The keynote speaker at today's luncheon is Ines Piccinino, a deputy ministerial specialist from the Ministry of Natural Gas Development.
The Wednesday keynote speaker MLA Mike Morris who will impart his knowledge as the host of the annual Natural Resources Forum and the representative of the region (Prince George-Mackenzie) where so much of this industrial activity is in play.
The conference will also explore the specific market challenges and shareholder considerations for resource development companies.
The key features on the slate are:
Breaking it Down: Cumulative Effects and Social License
Building New Connections
Watersheds and Water Management
Panel: Stewardship Roles Across the Landscape
Tradeshow exhibits (open to the public)
"Northern B.C. is rich in a wide range of natural resources, and as the region prepares for an estimated $70 billion in [proposed] resource and infrastructure development, people want to know how to manage the potential effects that these developments and other influences have on the social, environmental and economic well-being of the north," said Melanie Karjala, the association's business development strategist and today's first speaker on the morning agenda, following the introductory salutations.
She added that the Breaking Down the Silos theme aimed to "look at how diverse groups are addressing the issues and finding solutions through partnerships. Speakers will share best practices, innovative models, and showcase examples of how to integrate land and resource management with regional priorities."
The event takes place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. today, and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. The trade show is open to the public and the information sessions are open to registered delegates.
