Free, prior, and informed consent. That's what the Trudeau government agreed to when it signed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. But Trudeau has left this agreement in tatters. The federal government has pledged to purchase, operate, and find the pipeline a new owner for $4.5 billion. They've agreed to cover the costs of any lawsuits or delays from efforts to block the expansion. It is an appalling decision and a horrifying use of public dollars.
There has absolutely been no free, prior, or informed consent.
The best and only solution to this problem...
...return the stolen land.
This Indigenous Peoples' Day we should not turn away from this idea or be anxious about it. We should heed the words of the late Arthur Manuel:
"To Canadians who fear the changes that this will bring to this country, I can only say to them that there is no downside to justice."
We're giving everyone 50% off his book and many of BTL's Indigenous titles.