Treaty 8 First Nations: Northern First Nations Discuss Broken Development Process


PRINCE GEORGE, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Aug. 24, 2015) - First Nation leaders from across northern BC met Thursday August 20th in Prince George to discuss their concerns in regards to the approaches to major project development being taken by the federal and provincial governments, and industry. The Site C Dam project and the siting of the Pacific Northwest LNG plant on the Skeena Estuary were among the topics discussed.

Chief Roland Willson of West Moberly First Nations said, "The approach taken by the province to the Site C project has ignored our rights and title, and recent and past court decisions. Continuing down this path will only foster conflict, resentment and delay truly sustainable economic development."

Chief Na Moks, representing the Wet'suwet'en Nation, added, "The decision to site a massive LNG plant atop the most critical salmon habitat on the Skeena illustrates just how broken governments approach to major project development is. If you were to pick the worst place on the entire coast to site an LNG plant, it would be Lelu Island and Flora Bank. This project will impact the interests and rights of all First Nations on the Skeena."

Verne Jackson representing Kaien Island elders added, "We simply cannot allow Petronas to ignore the importance of the Flora Bank/Lelu Island area to our communities. As parents, grandparents and elders we are compelled to voice our concerns and take action."

Northern First Nations are continuing their discussions in regard to these issues and will be issuing a joint statement in early September at a press conference in Vancouver.

Contact Information:

Gerald Amos
Ph: 250 632 1521
Email: geraldvamos@gmail.com