Indigenous Rights and Economic Growth: Why B.C.'s Declaration Act Benefits Business
In a compelling opinion piece, Linda Innes presents a powerful case for how respecting Indigenous rights through British Columbia's Declaration Act serves as a catalyst for economic prosperity rather than a barrier. Drawing from recent experiences with Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to Gitxaała Nation territory in Prince Rupert, Innes highlights the tangible benefits that emerge when Indigenous communities are recognized as essential partners in development.
The Economic Value of Indigenous Partnership
First Nations bring far more than historical claims to the table—they offer practical economic advantages that benefit entire regions. According to Innes, Indigenous governments contribute local knowledge, historical context, and community legitimacy that cannot be replicated by external entities. These communities possess management expertise in stewarding lands and waters that support thousands of jobs across various sectors.
Furthermore, Indigenous entrepreneurs, tradespeople, and supplier networks create economic ecosystems that keep financial resources circulating within local economies. The Gitxaała Nation exemplifies this approach through their ownership and operation of businesses throughout their territory, including the iconic waterfront Crest Hotel where they recently hosted the prime minister.
The Practical Application of UNDRIP Principles
Innes emphasizes that the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) offers a practical framework for development that benefits all parties involved. When governments align their laws with Indigenous rights and implement free, prior, and informed consent processes, they create predictable, stable environments for business investment.
Consent does not equate to perpetual opposition, Innes clarifies. Rather, it represents an opportunity to "build it right" from the outset—establishing clear decision-making processes, identifying important conditions, and ensuring benefits flow appropriately to local communities. This approach contrasts sharply with current practices where companies often treat government permits as sufficient authorization, only to encounter conflicts when Indigenous rights are asserted.
The Cost of Ignoring Indigenous Rights
When governments disregard the reality of Aboriginal title and Indigenous rights, they create disputes that manifest in courtrooms, job sites, and public protests. These conflicts waste valuable time, energy, and financial resources that could otherwise be directed toward productive development. Every project delay represents burned capital, while every legal injunction erodes investor confidence.
Innes points out that many current projects in British Columbia rest on "shaky ground" precisely because they fail to properly account for Indigenous rights that exist as the law of the land. The Declaration Act provides a mechanism to address this instability by creating a framework where Indigenous rights are recognized and respected from the beginning of development processes.
A Path Forward for B.C. and Canada
The author argues that British Columbia and Canada should continue implementing the Declaration Act without amendments that would weaken its application of UNDRIP principles. This approach supports both business success and Indigenous self-determination, creating conditions where First Nations can thrive on their own terms while contributing to broader economic growth.
Businesses already understand the advantages of this model: clear rules surpass ambiguous regulations, genuine partnerships outperform adversarial relationships, and predictable timelines trump surprise shutdowns. By embracing Indigenous rights as foundational to economic development, British Columbia can build a more resilient, prosperous future for all residents.
