We Stand United

It was, as stated by Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, “another profound moment in the ongoing battle to oppose this ill-conceived project, Northern Gateway.” With strength in unity, it was also about the proposed expansion of the Kinder Morgan pipeline that would increase crude oil tanker traffic into the Vancouver harbour.

First Nations stood together today in Vancouver, on Coast Salish Territory, to publicly declare a ban on oil tankers and pipelines on both the north and south coasts. “North or south, it makes no difference. First Nations from every corner of BC are saying absolutely no tar sands pipelines or tankers in our territories,” said Chief Jackie Thomas speaking on behalf of the Yinka Dene Alliance.

With drumming and singing, gift-giving and speeches, and in the presence of witnesses (the media and those of us who were there as allies), several new First Nations signed the Save the Fraser Declaration, expanding the First Nations opposition to more than 130 Nations.

The message could not be clearer. “We can never agree to crude oil flowing through our lands and waters,” said Chief Jackie Thomas. “We all depend on our water,” she said, “we will not put our children at risk.” “We are the wall that Enbridge will never break through.” If it comes to it, said Chief Thomas, “I’m going to stand in front of bulldozers to stop this project, and I expect my neighbours to back me up.”

Gerald Amos from the Haisla First Nation speaks to reporters. Photo: Caitlyn Vernon.

Chief Na’Moks was clear, the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs will never waver in their opposition. “We have stood against tar sands pipelines from day one and we join with our brothers and sisters today in a shared commitment to put a stop to them.” This project is not in the interest of Canadians, he said. “This is just politics and money... my grandchildren won’t be able to eat that, won’t be able to drink the water or eat the fish.”

This is just common sense, said Chief Marilyn Baptiste of the Xeni Gwet'in First Nation. She reminded us, “the frog does not drink up the water from the pond in which he lives.”

Chief Elmer Moody of the Gitxaala Nation pointed out that when First Nations declare that this project isn’t going to happen, it is incumbent on the citizens of BC and of Canada to respect that this cannot happen. To do anything less would be a constitutional infringement of Aboriginal title and rights.

First Nations consent to pipelines and tankers in their territories is required by international law. Today’s announcement – on the first anniversary of the Save the Fraser Declaration – comes in response to recent calls from the Harper government and oil executives to push through pipeline and tanker projects against the wishes of British Columbians and First Nations.

“We will not sit idly by as our cultures and our lands are threatened,” said Harold Yeltatzie, president of Coastal First Nations, reiterating that their ban on crude oil tanker traffic is maintained. “The consequences of a catastrophic oil spill on our people and our culture cannot be calculated or compensated.”

And it is not just First Nations who are opposed to tar sands pipelines and tankers. Referring to all the people from across Canada who are also opposed, “we are taking a stand for them too,” said Chief Jackie Thomas.

As one of those people, I want to express my gratitude to all of these First Nations who have formed a united front to ban all exports of tar sands crude oil through their territories. For it is not just their lands and their cultures that are at risk, it is my future also. The strength and determination I witnessed will not waver. Nor will my own. It is now up to the rest of us to pressure our governments to recognize Aboriginal laws and decision-making authority, and uphold the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

And we need to remind our governments to speak up for us, just as these First Nation governments are speaking up for their people. It is in our interest to maintain healthy ecosystems, for healthy food and clean drinking water and sustainable livelihoods. Four out of five British Columbians oppose the transport of tar sands crude. It’s time our governments listened, and represented our interests.

Ten year-old Ta’Kaiya Blaney had the last word. “We stand united to put an end to this pipe dream.”