Much Ado About A Mine

In the heart of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in British Columbia, Canada, the Ahousaht First Nation is considering a proposed copper mine. Local environmental groups are whole-heartedly opposed, but some members of the Ahousaht First Nation may be willing to accept the mine at the top of Catface Mountain in the name of economic development. Others in the First Nation community are opposed because of the inevitable environmental consequences; still others are calling first and foremost for respect for their traditional decision-making structures. A recent article by Judith Lavoie highlights the many issues that indigenous communities such as the Ahousaht face, including lack of internal coherence, prospective extractive industries, and engagement with other environmental groups.