Oil and Gas Could Underpin Indigenous Autonomy, Say Experts

Signage in favour of resource development is seen along Yellowhead Highway near Telkwa in northern British Columbia on Jan. 10, 2019. The Canadian Press/Chad Hipolito

Jean Paul Gladu grew up north of Thunder Bay at Sandpoint First Nation, also known as Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek. The former head of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and now president of the Alaska-Alberta Railway Corporation says he recalls how his grandfather helped build the TransCanada gas pipeline.

“The oil and gas sector is one I truly support,” Gladu said. “Unfortunately, a lot of the media portrays all of us with one colour—that we’re opposed to resource development—and that’s the furthest thing from the truth. Many of our communities are supportive.”