The B.C. First Nations Summit has raised significant concerns over a pair of north and central B.C. resources projects, saying the federal government must halt a review of Enbridge's $5.5 billion oil pipeline project, and reject outright the $800-million Prosperity mine.
The First Nations Summit, which represents the majority of First Nations in B.C. on treaty and other issues, made the decisions at a recent assembly.
The Summit passed a resolution calling for the federal government not to proceed further with its assessment of the Enbridge pipelines unless it obtains "free, prior and informed" consent of First Nations the pipeline will affect.
"If this project is approved, it would risk an oil spill that would destroy our food supply, our livelihoods and our cultures. Our laws tell us we can't stand by and allow these pipelines and tankers into our territories and waters," said Nadleh Whut'en First Nation chief Larry Nooski, one of those who attended the recent assembly in North Vancouver.
The Nadleh Whut'en is one of five First Nations west of Prince George which have voiced opposition of the project. The others First Nations are the Saik'uz, Nak'azdli, Takla Lake and the Wet'suwet'en.
Ed John, a member of the First Nations Summit's political executive, said the federal review process of the 1,170-kilometre twin oil and condensate pipelines through northern B.C. is not adequate. "We've even made it clear to Canada that First Nations want to work with the Crown to create a process that will respect our rights," said John, a traditional chief of the Tl'azt'en Nation northwest of Prince George.
The pipeline, which would pass just north of Prince George at Bear Lake, is meant to open up new markets in Asia for crude from Alberta's oil sands.
Oil will be shipped to Kitimat for export, while condensate, a kerosene-like liquid used to thin crude to allow it to be transported in pipelines, will be shipped back to Alberta on a second, smaller pipeline.
Calgary-based Enbridge has touted the economic benefits of the project, as well as saying the pipeline will be built the highest safety standards.
The project is facing opposition from some northern B.C. First Nations, environmental groups and some northern municipalities. The critics argue that the risks of an oil spill are not worth the minimal long-term benefits.
The First Nations Summit also passed a resolution urging the federal government to reject Taseko Mines' proposed prosperity mine near Williams Lake, south of Prince George.
The project already has B.C. government approval, but a recent federal panel has said the mine would result in significant adverse environmental effects. Federal cabinet's approval is necessary for the project to proceed.
The company has said the project will create 500 direct jobs, another 1,200 indirect jobs during a 20-year period. The local, regional and provincial economies will also benefit from spending and taxes, a position also supported by the B.C. Liberal government.
The First Nations oppose the project largely because of the destruction of the 121-hectare Fish Lake, called Teztan Biny in the Tsilhqot'in language. The lake is earmarked for use as a tailings bond for mining waste.
