No benefits from Enbridge pipeline for First Nations

Nadleh Whut'en First Nation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2012

Nadleh Whut'en Territory – Fraser Lake, BC, Canada – The Nadleh Whut'en First Nation stands steadfast in its opposition to the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline project. As the flawed Joint Review Panel enters into final hearings, Enbridge is proclaiming their project is in the 'national interest' and the Christy Clark government is attempting to 'say no to Enbridge' to save her sinking party. The Nadleh Whut'en is reminding the Crown, British Columbians and Canadians that the Nadleh Whut'en people have never given up our inherent and aboriginal rights to our beautiful lands and resources.

Chief Martin Louie stated, “As Aboriginal people in this land now known as Canada and the province of BC, we have never ceded our lands or rights by agreement or by force. We have legally protected rights under Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution, and in domestic and international law.” Furthermore, Chief Louie added, “The international community is closely watching the Harper government's endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as are we.” In 2010, Canada formally endorsed the UN Declaration, which sets a framework for justice and reconciliation between states and indigenous peoples. If the Joint Review Panel or the Crown approve the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline, Nadleh Whut'en will view this as a direct violation of our right to say 'no' to a project that is not in our interest, nor the interest of British Columbians and Canadians.

“The Nadleh Whut'en people will continue to stand firm in our position, with other First Nations and concerned Canadians, in the protection of our rights and title from threats like those posed by Enbridge”, said Chief Louie. He added, “We don't see any benefits from the Enbridge project. Economists can banter all they want about so-called benefits. Caruthers and Harper can proclaim 'in the national interest' or 'nation building' all they want. Canada, BC and Enbridge will NEVER get our consent to build the Northern Gateway pipeline through Nadleh Whut'en territory.”

Chief Martin Louie stated, “WHEN the Enbridge pipeline breaks, or when a tanker crashes on the coast, whether it is in 5 or 50 years, those impacted lands and waterways will be destroyed. This is not acceptable to our people or other Canadians. We are fighting for all Canadians and indigenous peoples. Enbridge needs to pack it up and drop the project.” Chief Louie said, “We will fight Enbridge and the government on ensuring that our lands and waters remain beautiful for present and future generations. The Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline will never benefit our people, First Nations and Canadians.”

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For more info contact:
Chief Martin Louie at 4dakelh@nadleh.ca or 1-250-570-7759