RE:RE:could this be the answer
B212, you left out some important things. Some GOOD. Some not so good. Here-in are my thoughts. You will note that the "wants" of the aboriginals have changed over the generations. And, as was mentioned previously, that the aboriginals are starting to move back onto the reservations. Why? The very same reasons given when they left in the first place ... jobs and money. It seems like the chief's have spoken clearly on what they want ... right away ... Money (they will accept even Canadian Dollars). Before, generations ago, all theFN's wanted were to be left alone to hunt/fish/raise their families. Not a thing was said about minerals or government support for new and higher standard of living to be established by the various tribes (like some tribal chief's now making more than a 1/2 million $ annually [yes, many more make a lot less]). When the FN start getting a "royalty" on every ounce of the minerals extracted from beneath the very un-useable surface of ice/mud, moose dung, and rock, they will not only get this (at this at point in time) from NOT and KWG but also in the future they will demand it from all other mines brought forth/on line by industries (diamonds/rock [for new road/etc {maybe even on the rain/snow which falls from above }]). So, believe it when other "businesses" (non-FN [like McDonalds]) want to open up to sell moose burgers - they too will have to pay a "royalty" on all those eaten inside their doors (maybe not on the "take out" orders). But, if we know the FN's - they will get the "royalty [tax] on every singleburger "produced". Now, if the FN's play their tribal courts wisely they will declare that they are "Independent Countries" (one country for each tribe) and are "free" to do whatsoever they want to. It doesn't/won't matter what the Canadian Federal, Provincial, or Local officials say or do. Nor what their Courts Decide, or what the Old Treaties declare. On the other hand, the FN's can continue as is and get, on top of their "royalties", free housing, free medical, tax free income, education, and unlimited and free hunting/fishing, free transportation means (roads and upkeeps), etc. Remember this too, I think this is correct, that back in the olden days the aboriginals only wanted to be left alone to hunt and fish and raise their families. Now its changed a bit to; having to own a snowmobile to "run" a trap line - no one walks any more - can't get enough pelts to make a living, wanting their own tepee's and not have them made of skins. Now their wants include (for their summers) RV's, ATV's, 4WD P/U's, roads/bridges to drive on - everywhere they go (fishing, visit relatives, but not to work). And, they have the audacity to want; electricity, clean drinking water, heat in their homes, education/training for their younger generations. All, of course, paid for by others. With this expected windfall of dollars coming do you think that they are ready and willing and will want to join the 21st century as we know it? (TAXES, T.V., Bingo, email, frozen foods, fresh vegies?) Me thinks, in the negotiations between Industry, Free Nations, and the government, that much consideration must be acknowledged that NOT and KWG are not the only ones that will be contributing "royalties" to be paid to thee Aboriginals. Also, the FN's should not be expecting that the full cost amounts of carrying the infrastructure, tribal expenses, and all personal/individual benefits by themselves. But, they will have to wait for others (ie., mines, Governments, and even industrial bonds) to help support this mammoth project. And, maybe, just maybe, a few of the various tribes will be well heeled enough so that they too can contribute to the growth of the RoF