The leaders of the six northern B.C. First Nations that make up the Yinka Dene Alliance want to send a message to Alberta's new premier: the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline isn't happening on their territory, if they have anything to say about it.
In a letter to Alberta Premier Jim Prentice dated Dec. 8 the group -made up the Nadleh Whut'en, Nak'azdli, Takla Lake, Saik'uz, Wet'suwet'en, and Tl'azt'en First Nations -said they have "banned the Enbridge Northern Gateway project from our territories, pursuant to our ancestral laws..."
"We have read your recent statements to [the] media promoting the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipelines, including your comments that you will 'do what needs to be done' to advance the project," the letter says. "We wish also to ensure that, in your new role as premier, you have a clear understanding of the scope and depth of the opposition to the Enbridge Northern Gateway proposal."
The Yinka Dene Alliance had invited Prentice to attend a meeting on the issue in April, but he declined, the letter said.
"Had [you attended], you would have encountered hundreds of our hereditary and elected leaders, elders and clan members gathered to set out the reasons for our determination that [the] Northern Gateway project will not cross our lands and waters," the letter said.
"In this work we have also built deep ties with the First Nations in your home province of Alberta, and we urge you to heed their urgent concerns regarding the cumulative effects of tar sands development on their environment, health and treaty rights. Their fight is also ours."
Nak'azdli Chief Fred Sam, a spokesperson for the Yinka Dene Alliance, could not be reached for comment as of press time.
A statement issued by the Alberta premier's office said Prentice "has made it a priority to work together with Premier [Christy] Clark and to engage with aboriginal leaders in an effort to address concerns and build partnerships founded on sound environmental principles."
"Accessing new markets for Canadian energy is essential for the economic benefit of the entire country," the statement said. "A strong partnership with First Nations is a prerequisite for achieving market access to the West Coast. Ultimately, it is those projects that have First Nations support and commercial viability that will be able to move forward."
