In the week since the Region One Aboriginal Business Association co-hosted the Rally for Resources event in Lac La Biche, word has spread about the involvement of Indigenous people in Alberta's oil and gas industry. And the word is positive, says ROABA President Shawn McDonald.
Anti-industry sentiment, often seen with blockades and demonstrations involving Aboriginal groups, is a part of the story, says McDonald — but not all of it. He says that by emphasizing on the Indigenous support in the rally, he thinks the general perception created nationally can be expanded to include pro-industry Aboriginal support.
"I find it very important because, all you hear from the mainstream media is the negative side of aboriginal support for oil and gas, and the pipelines. So, we wanted all of Canada to hear the positive and pro-support that aboriginal entities and companies in the area, dependant on the oil and gas, and pipelines, have," McDonald said, "We had nation-wide media and possibly even international media... Nationally, the word is getting out there, that there are other aboriginal entities —and not just our group— that are pro oil and gas, so that is the main thing to accomplish and get that noticed."
McDonald believes the effects this rally has generated are not just limited to the general public's perception but, also to create a powerful impact on the current federal and provincial government's policy making and the senate committee's decision-making when it comes to Bill C-69.
The pending federal legislation will set the groundwork for future development approvals for all large-scale industry projects. The Bill includes many environmental protections and also adds allowances for more consultation with wider audiences associated with developments. Industry leaders fear the bill will slow down the approval process for future projects by allowing more consultation.
Rallies like the R4R in Lac La Biche — peaceful ones drawing attention to the need to create more pipelines and expand the market for Canadian oil and gas — are hoped to send the message that Canadians need to come together to support the industry.
"I hope, not only the federals and provincial government see this but, also the senate committee that is supposed to be looking into bill C-69 and C-48, so hopefully they hear our words and look into amending those two bills," said McDonald.
The Feb. 10 rally in Lac La Biche was co-hosted by ROABA with the help of the nation-wide CanadaAction group. Locally, the Lac La Biche County Council, the Community Futures office and the Lac La Biche and District Chamber of Commerce supported the event. About 200 people attended the rally at the Bold Center. About 50 vehicles took part in a convoy following the rally that followed a circuit route to Plamondon and back to the Bold Center.
"I would like to send out a huge thank you to all that supported us and to the people who couldn't make it, especially to initiative to the four boards. It was ROABA that led the rally but we had full support and backing from the four boards," he said.
While the attention the rally received was good, McDonald would have like to have seen a few more people in attendance.
"It went very well. I think the cold weather put a damper on the attendance, but we still had a very good attendance... I know we could've had more people if it wasn't so cold," McDonald added, "a lot of trucks didn't even start because it was just too cold."
Next up for ROABA, says McDonald, is a continued push to keep the pro-pipeline issue in front of as many people as possible. He has been speaking with local politicians, provincial and federal officials and hopes the actions of the Lac La Biche rally supporters combines with other support from across the country.
"The majority area of Lac La Biche, we are feeling this recession very bad, there is a lot of families hurting out there and we are doing the best we can to make notice of that and bring support to our families that are hurting in the area."
