Time to change the focus of the conversation between First Nations and mining companies, from a positional based approach to an interest based approach

Due to the growing interest of resource extraction in Northern British Columbia, specifically in the mining industry, Canada is poised to benefit with an increase in mineral exports while leaving the First Nations people where the resources are being extracted from, living in poverty like conditions. Many of the First Nations communities are located in remote regions and are experiencing socio economic conditions that are hindering their community's growth. Even though efforts to include the First Nations people are steadily improving however the research indicates that the focus of the conversation is limiting the potential of the opportunity to utilize the extraction of resources to reverse the effects in First Nation communities. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the literature of mining proponents who support the involvement of First Nations communities in extraction activities to learn why this approach afforded the First Nations the tools to reverse the social and economic conditions while maintaining their role as stewards of the land. --Leaf 2.