The Aboriginal Peoples’ Position in Land-use Conflicts in British Columbia, Canada

This article focuses on a land use conflict in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia. In 1995, a strong alliance of conservationists and Indigenous Peoples was able to prevent the logging of Meares Island, which is part of the traditional territory of the Nuu-chah-nulth tribe. After the land use decision for Clayoquot Sound was reached by the government of British Columbia, several conservationist organizations tried to form a similar alliance with the Nuu-chah-nulth. However, this time the Nuu-chah-nulth did not join the blockade organized by the conservationists. While the latter sought to have all of Clayoquot Sound declared a national park zone, the Nuu-chah-nulth wanted to be involved in decision- making and participate in resource management