The Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project is one of the most polarizing topics we’ve seen in Canada in recent memory and it seems there’s no section of Canadians butting heads over TMX more than Indigenous groups.

Some First Nations are opposed to it while other aren’t just for the pipeline, they’re trying to buy it.

The Green Party has made it quite clear they are opposed the project and while appearing on the NL Morning News, Green MLA Adam Olsen, who is Indigenous, explains First Nations bands are as diverse as any cross section of society. “One of the problems with our culture is that we kind of bunch all Indigenous people into the same group and have this very romantic view of Indigenous relationships across the province and I think it’s important that we speak about this honestly and that there’s great diversity across Indigenous peoples, indigenous cultures and Indigenous point of views.”

Olsen went on to say “In some respects they’ve partnered with pipeline companies or partnered with natural gas fracking organizations.”

“And then there’s gonna be groups have a completely different perspective and that is part of the challenge that we face as we work to build relationships between the provincial government and a diverse array of indigenous communities across the province.”

Olsen says Chiefs have to look out for their bands best interests, adding “any good leader would that have to look at ways to be able to supply what their communities” needs are.”