I, as I am sure many others are, are becoming extremely frustrated with....how should I put this...the attitude of our First Nations. If they truly wish to seek self-governance and independence then they really need to understand that the road to achieve this requires hard work and sacrifice. Much of what they want for their people is directly acquired from others, and not from the fruits of their own labour.  Instead it is through the treaties that promised government support, and a cut of the profits from those who, with their permission, were allowed to responsibly harvest from their lands. Deal made, deal honoured. Many First Nations understand this, and have prospered very well keeping in mind that nothing is for free. Others, however, still hold a misplaced sense of entitlement. 

If restitution for past injustices should be made then so be it. If the treaties did not take into account inflation, cost of living, or any proportional increase in profits then these matters should be resolved practically; reconciliation. But to deny partnering in the very activities, such as responsible resource development, that facilitates the commerce (ex. mining) expected to satisfy or provide for the First Nation side of these treaties is illogical and undermining. If it is a better deal the First Nations are looking for than part of that means being reasonable about how involved and invested First Nations are; business ,time and money.

Unless your doing business with yourself there are usually two parties involved with any agreement, sometimes even several. Respecting each other's side of the deal is not optional, but binding in order for the deal to carry forward and certain things  realized. However, everything comes with risks, and in any deal there is also one party taking more risks than the other. So this too must also be factored into any deal.  Anyone breaking the deal or failing to keep up their side needs to be held accountable. First Nations or NOT. 

• The old saying holds true, " You can't have your cake and eat it too", because if that's the case then why should you get any gifts if your the only one at the party....In other words this is NOT all about the First Nations. There are others who live in Canada too. You might want to acknowledge them instead of always considering yourselves First.

TM.

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2022/01/19/road-connection.html

....“We still have to decide if communities want it,” Small added. “It’s a huge project, it’s going to be expensive, and hopefully we get to where the leadership is satisfied with the work we bring forward and a final decision can take place.”

With opposition from communities to mining-related development, Small stressed that there is no mining proponent behind this proposal.

Small said a report the Council commissioned identified both benefits and drawbacks to building an all-season road but highlighted improved access to the communities, a lower cost of living, and accessibility to health care, education and employment opportunities....