Jeremy van Loon

Aboriginal Canadians from Quebec to British Columbia are asserting their rights. Energized by a 2004 Supreme Court decision that requires governments to "consult and accommodate" aboriginal groups before miners and oil and gas drillers encroach on their lands, the Natives have blocked half a dozen major projects since the court ruling.

Canada's bid to become what Prime Minister Stephen Harper calls an energy "superpower" is at risk as approval delays for new pipelines threaten an industry already hurt by high costs and rival production.