In one of his first actions as Vermont's governor, Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean supported a controversial power project that First Nations in Canada opposed.

Cree Natives feared the project would flood their lands. Backed by environmentalists, the battle drew international attention. Several states that agreed to buy power from a utility company in Quebec dropped their contracts. Vermont ended up withdrawing from the deal.

Throughout Canada, hydro projects have destroyed Native lands. Some First Nations are only now beginning to be compensated for the damage.

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Surprise Governorship Changed Dean (The Los Angeles Times 1/13)
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