mar 21, 1974 - Berger Commission

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The Berger Commission was created on March 21, 1974, to analyze Aboriginal environmental concerns - particularly regarding hydroelectricity and natural gas from the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline project - which jeopardized their way of life; the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline project drastically impacted traditional hunting, fishing, and trapping practices. A series of hearings were conducted in Northern Canada by the commission in 1977, which afterwards led the Canadian government agreeing to pause construction of the pipeline until in-depth environmental studies were conducted. Aboriginal negotiations were also done during this period. Eventually, the project was cancelled altogether. This was a victory for the Aboriginal communities involved, as it demonstrated some of their cultural needs were being acknowledged.

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