MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 6, 2014
CSTC Releases Reports to BCEAO regarding natural gas pipeline (PDF Version)
Dakelh Territory, Prince George. Last week the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC) released reports to the BC Environmental Assessment Office and Minister Rich Coleman (Minister of Natural Gas Development) regarding the Coastal Gas Link Pipeline (a subsidiary company of TransCanada Pipelines). These reports form part of the CSTC’s efforts to understand the impacts from 5 different proposed natural gas pipelines that could cross unceded Carrier Sekani First Nations territories. While the Carrier Sekani are not against development, all parties must make informed decisions about how to ensure that development does not compromise current and future generations requirements for a healthy environment and meaningful cultural practices.
Tribal Chief Terry Teegee stated, “We are getting closer to understanding what all of these natural gas pipeline projects mean for our lands, waters and people. These reports are only the beginning, and more needs to be done if the Crown and industry want to do business in our territories.” He added, “We’ve been here since time
immemorial, and we’ll be here for longer than these companies and their pipelines. We are the stewards of our waterways, forests and culture. Consent is required for such mega projects to ensure certainty.”
Several independent studies were commissioned by the CSTC that demonstrate the need for better cumulative effects assessments, as well as procedural failures of the BC environmental assessment process to adequately address the protection or mitigation of impacts to Aboriginal rights. The Tsilhqot’in court case released by the
Supreme Court of Canada has clarified what is required for Aboriginal Title proof, as well as outlined the urgent need for new processes and approaches of reconciliation between First Nations and the Crown. The CSTC and its member First Nations are prepared to work with the Crown and industry to ensure that proper reconciliation
of interests is possible, including the monitoring, compliance and enforcement of environmental policies and laws.
“The time is coming for the BC and federal governments to meet with our Chiefs to discuss and address our terms. Our people and our land cannot sustain more mis-informed decisions that allow projects to destroy our lands and way of life”, declared Tribal Chief Teegee. He continued, “We’ve participated in many project reviews,
and are familiar with how to do business that benefits our people, our lands and our culture. We expect that the Crown and energy companies will be willing to address our conditions needed for our consent.”
– 30 –
Contact:
Tribal Chief Terry Teegee, Carrier Sekani Tribal Council. Cell: 250-640-3256
Link to reports: http://darac.sg-host.com/cstc-services/oil-gas/
Dakelh Territory, Prince George. Last week the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC) released reports to the BC Environmental Assessment Office and Minister Rich Coleman (Minister of Natural Gas Development) regarding the Coastal Gas Link Pipeline (a subsidiary company of TransCanada Pipelines). These reports form part of the CSTC’s efforts to understand the impacts from 5 different proposed natural gas pipelines that could cross unceded Carrier Sekani First Nations territories. While the Carrier Sekani are not against development, all parties must make informed decisions about how to ensure that development does not compromise current and future generations requirements for a healthy environment and meaningful cultural practices.