"In 1990, Richard Bartlett was appointed to the Chair of Natural Resources Law at The University of Calgary. While holding that position, he undertook a research project with respect to resource development and aboriginal land rights. As part of the project, Professor Bartlett conducted a seminar on that subject at the Faculty of Law, The University of Calgary, on 3 May 1990. The seminar was co-sponsored by the Faculty of Law and the Canadian Institute of Resources Law. The two papers that comprise this volume are the background research papers prepared for the purposes of the seminar.
The first paper is entitled "Resource Development and Aboriginal Title in Canada". It examines the relationship between aboriginal title and resource development. The paper suggests that the legal framework now in place requires agreement with the aboriginal people as to the terms under which resource development may take place, but also shows that the agreements reached to date have recognized and protected existing resource dispositions and make provision for future resource disposition.
The second paper is entitled "Resource Development and Treaty Land Entitlement in Western Canada". It examines the entitlement to lands and resources established by the treaties with the aboriginal peoples which provided for the settlement of aboriginal title in western Canada. The paper considers the relationship between resource development and the treaty entitlement. It suggests that the treaty entitlements and the treaties must be fulfilled, or else the courts may impose a freeze upon resource development.
The emphasis of the two papers is upon the need today to reach agreement with the aboriginal peoples upon the terms upon which resource development may proceed, and the need to fulfill the promises and entitlement declared in any such agreement." -- Provided by publisher