The paradox of development: Lheidli T'enneh perspectives on resource development.

In 2006 Enbridge's Gateway Pipeline project was one of six proposed pipelines to cross the Lheidli traditional territory in British Columbia, Canada. This, however, was not the first foray of oil and gas development in the territory as there were already two pipelines laid right through the middle of the Lheidli Indian Reserve #2. The initial purpose of my research was to examine how the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation view oil and gas development within their traditional territory in light of Enbridge's plans. However, during the interview process in 2006, I realized that the research topic was too narrowly defined, as community members (Chief Dominic Frederick, Ron Seymour, Margaret Gagnon, Mary John, Violet Bozoki, Frank Frederick, Curtis Seymour, Vanessa West, Deryl Seymour, Rena Zatorski, Corinna Joseph, and Irvin Gagnon) did not talk specifically about the Gateway Project. Rather, they spoke about development on a broad scale as it has affected them and their community. Therefore this thesis ended up being about the paradox of development. The community retains ideas of traditional stewardship but also sees the need for or inevitability of economic development within their territory. The Lheidli community is concerned that the jobs that they need will destroy the very land, plants and animals that sustain their culture. Younger generations note the need for jobs despite their own deep rooted respect for the elders' opinions of protective stewardship. They too retain these values. Although arguing for a need for increased employment they are not arguing for modernist development. Rather they would like to have employment and a healthy land base. The key issues revealed in the research included the challenges of consultation, capacity building and community development in the face of industrial development and government programs and policies that interfere with traditional Lheidli practices. In order to properly understand why participants are in the position that they are in, it is necessary to view Lheidli