Haisla First Nation questions wisdom of Oil Tanker project in Kitimat.
Media advisory by Haisla First Nation:
Kitamaat Village, BC – Kitamaat Chief Councilor says the recent shipping accident confirms the Haisla’s concerns around the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Project.
Chief Councilor Dolores Pollard of the Haisla First Nation reacted quickly and strongly to the news that a large ship leaving Kitimat, B.C., had suffered a catastrophic steering failure in the Douglas Channel and struck the shore, causing significant damage to the ship. “This confirms our concerns around the Enbridge Northern Gateway Project and the need to address the ‘real’ risks involved to our livelihood, which will not be fully addressed via the CEAA/NEB process.”
Pollard stated, “We are thankful no one was hurt, and that no oil or other contaminants were spilled, but this accident clearly demonstrates why northern First Nations and communities require a more adequate process to address the risks involved with shipping of any potential contaminants that will detrimentally affect our way of life.”
Referring to the demand for a public inquiry by other First Nations and community groups, Pollard stated: “This confirms, we are all concerned about what the impacts will be on our lands and resources. The risks of shipping oil through our territories are real and the impacts of an accident or an oil spill would be devastating to us all.”
Pollard went on to say, “Our traditional laws and our fiduciary duty to our people do not allow us to delegate the responsibility for our lands and waters to others, especially an inadequate process whose terms of reference have not accommodated our interests. International Law, and more importantly, Canadian Supreme Court case law clearly states we have the right to free, prior and informed consent to a project such as Enbridge and we intend to exercise that right fully. Sadly, this accident illustrates exactly why our concerns are justified.”
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For more information contact:
Chief Councilor Dolores Pollard
Haisla First Nation
tel: 250-639-9361 ext 110
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