A new book authored by several UNBC professors explores how northern B.C. is being pulled into the national and international spotlight as the global markets for energy and resources continue to change.

Titled “Resource Communities in a Globalizing Region,” the book is a collaboration between six UNBC professors from anthropology, economics and political science. The book is co-edited by Dr. Paul Bowles and Dr. Gary Wilson.

In it, they explore the changing economy of the region and its evolving relationship with China and other Asian countries before launching into a discussion of how the residents of northern B.C., including First Nations, are trying to exert greater control over the development of their region.

“Northern British Columbia is at the centre of a profound global transformation, the implications of which are critically important, not only for this resource producing region, but also for the rest of British Columbia, Canada and the world,” said Wilson, a UNBC political science professor. “From ports to pipelines, communities across northern British Columbia are being profoundly affected, both positively and negatively, by major developments and reorientations in the global economy. At the same time, however, these communities are also seeking to control their own destinies and have a say on the changes that are sweeping the region.”  

“Northern B.C. has long been integrated into the global economy,” added Bowles, a UNBC economics and international studies professor. “But there are continuities and change over time and the book explores both of these aspects.”

They launched the book at UNBC in a special session of Global Fridays Colloquium on Thursday, Feb. 18.

The book also provides an historical overview of northern B.C. and introduces local communities and their experiences with globalization.

It also explores how governments, Aboriginal people, organized labour, NGOs, and the private sector are adapting to, resisting and embracing change.

Other contributors to the book include UNBC economist Dr. Fiona MacPhail, political scientists Dr. Tracy Summerville and Dr. John Young and the late Dr. Jim McDonald of the Anthropology Department. The book is dedicated to Dr. McDonald and all royalties from the sale of the book will go to the Dr. James (Jim) McDonald Memorial Fund.

Pictured in the photo are, from left: Dr. Paul Bowles, Dr. Fiona MacPhail, Dr. Tracy Summerville, Dr. John Young and Dr. Gary Wilson.