While one major northern First Nation was saying no to a front-running LNG project, the same project got an affirmative answer from another of the north's bigger aboriginal bands.
The Petronas proposal got the thumbs down (more votes are pending) from the Lax Kw'alaams people in a full referendum last week (their part of the project is the all-important west coast shipping terminal proposed for Lelu Island), while almost at the same time a council-only vote was held by the Lake Babine Nation on approving a portion of the project's pipeline slated for their traditional territory, especially in the Babine Lake area north of Burns Lake and west of Mackenzie.
By a vote of five to four, the chief and council gave the green light to the Petronas project.
According to those close to the issue, band councillors Frank Alec, Derek MacDonald, Priscilla Crouse and Leonard Lawley opposed the proposal while councillors Bessie West, Evelyn George, Fred William and Delores Alec voted in favour of the deal. With a tie in place, it was up to chief Wilf Adam to cast the deciding vote and he raised his hand in favour.
Sources said that along with the elected council, a number of hereditary chiefs were also present. Although their votes are not legally included in executive decisions, they do represent a moral compass for elected council. Five hereditary chiefs in attendance expressed support for the pipeline while two opposed it.
"This project meets Lake Babine Nation's conditions for consent: it can be built in a way that is safe for our territory and resources; it has been developed and will be built with our meaningful involvement; and it will bring significant economic benefits to our people," said chief Adam.
One member of the band, who fears personal reprisals should his/her identity be revealed, said the tight council vote is reflective of the grassroots mood. One segment of the Lake Babine population is worried about environmental impacts while another segment is willing to take that chance in favour of jobs and government income.
"It is going to be running an estimated 40 years and no guarantees they will clean or take out pipes after 40 years," said the Lake Babine member, calling the documents provided by the companies "propaganda" and the environmental price "devastating" if it goes ahead.
"A lot of members hunt, fish, and trap and pick berries," the member said. "The pipeline will be going under Babine Lake and Babine River where the salmon return. Construction of the pipeline along there will affect the salmon coming back. We are supposed to protect the animals and the land. It is part of our spirituality and the councilors who voted yes did so to create employment."
The member said grassroots anger was generated by the council's decision to hold their own definitive vote instead of a referendum. Other parts of the process also upset some who felt better consultation was due.
The member also disclosed parts of documents that were shown to band members. One was a report written by Clayton Apps (of Aspen Wildlife Research, hired by the band to study the potential impacts on terrestrial creatures while Ecofish Research Ltd. was retained by LBN to examine the possible aquatic impacts.
"Most plans had insufficient detail and did not include all project works/infrastructure," said part of the Ecofish report. "There was vague language with respect to mitigating environmental risks and followup. Environmental Assessment Certificate conditions were not met properly and in some cases not met at all."
Apps wrote, in part, "Overall I found the species mitigation and management plans to be fairly good with respect to acknowledging the nature of the potential impacts, but my report also identified concerns."
It was not known if these issues were addressed since the band members were presented with these findings at a meeting in late April.
According to Lake Babine Nation and B.C. provincial government statements, if the proposed project proceeds, the band will receive approximately $3.56 million in one-time payments from the province as milestones are reached: $324,000 when the agreement takes effect, $1.62 million as construction begins, and $1.62 million when the pipeline is operating.
Lake Babine Nation is also entitled to a share of $10 million per year in ongoing benefits for First Nations along the pipeline route.
Pipeline benefits agreements with First Nations are part of the B.C. government's comprehensive plan to partner with First Nations on LNG opportunities, which also includes developing skills training and environmental stewardship projects.
