First Nations Leadership Council responds to the Federal decision regarding Enbridge’s Northern Gate
For Immediate Release
June 17, 2014
First Nations Leadership Council responds to the Federal decision regarding Enbridge’s Northern Gateway Project
Coast Salish Territory (Vancouver, BC) –On December 19, 2013 the Joint Review Process released its report on Enbridge’s Northern Gateway project which included 209 recommended requirements for approval of the project. Today, the federal cabinet announced that it would approve the project. The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC), which is composed of the BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit, and Union of BC Indian Chiefs, is completely disgusted at this decision.
“This was the announcement we expected from the Harper Government. They have continued to blatantly ignore what British Columbians and First Nations citizens have continually and unequivocally stated - the Enbridge Northern Gateway Project cannot go ahead. There is an undeniable and inherent risk attached to this project and the idea of a catastrophic ecological disaster is unacceptable for the people of this Province. Delaying this project will only serve to fortify the opposition to this project,” stated Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. “For First Nations who have unceded Title and Rights over our territories we will do everything necessary and whatever it takes to stop this project. We are prepared to go to unprecedented lengths to conserve and protect our territories and waters from heavy oil.”
“As we have stated time and time again, this project has been yet another prime example of how not to do business in this province. What we have witnessed is government and industry once again ignoring First Nations’ constitutionally-protected Title and Rights in order to push through another resource development project. The necessary consultation standard for any development project in BC, especially those with such a high potential for disastrous impacts, must be to seek the free, prior and informed consent of each and every First Nation whose Aboriginal Title and Rights will be impacted. If we must return to the courts to prove this once again, then that is what we will do”, said Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit political executive.
BC Assembly of First Nations’ Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould stated, “Though not surprising, it is extremely unfortunate and frustrating that the federal government has seen fit to approve Northern Gateway in the face of overwhelming public opposition including First Nations whose Aboriginal title and rights and other concerns have not been satisfactorily addressed. She added, “This is by no means the end of the conversation. Whether or not Northern Gateway is ultimately built is still very much in doubt and either way, will be a defining moment in Canada’s history and a litmus test for the direction we are heading. As a country, do we want to be an ‘energy superpower’ at any cost or are we ready to look towards a more balanced and diversified economy and becoming a global leader with respect to environmental stewardship, global warming and sustainable economic development?”
The First Nations Leadership Council is comprised of the political executives of the BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit, and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.
For further comment please contact:
Grand Chief Edward John, First Nations Summit Executive 778-772-8218
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, Union of BC Indian Chiefs: 250-490-5314
Courtney Daws, Director of Operations, BC Assembly of First Nations: 604-922-7733