For Immediate Release
December 4, 2009
Takla Lake First Nation Opposes flawed Review of Enbridge Pipeline, Releases Public Report on Flawed EA Process
Takla lake first nation Traditional Territory/takla landing, BC – The Takla Lake First Nation is pleased to announce the release of its Report examining their long battle with the Joint Panel Review for the Kemess North Mine. Titled, Kemess North: Insights and Lessons, it examines the process that Takla Lake, Kwadacha and Tsay Keh Dene First Nations (collectively known as the Tse Keh Nay) had to endure to make sure that a fresh water lake in their territory (Amazay) was not destroyed by the waste rock of a proposed gold mine. It also examines how Tsay Key Nay participated, in protest, of the Joint Review Panel for the proposed Kemess North Copper-Gold Mine Project, which concluded that the project not be approved.
“It was a historic moment when the Joint Panel recommended to the government that the Kemess North mine not be allowed to kill a fresh water lake in our territory”, said Chief Dolly Abraham. “Even though our voices were heard by the Panel, it was not the appropriate place for dealing with our Aboriginal rights to decision-making about such projects. We want government-to-government processes, including those for high level strategic land planning.”
“First Nations in BC and across Canada can learn a lot from what we went through to protect our sacred waters and lands,” said Chief Dolly Abraham. “There is still uncertainty in our territories because the government does not want follow direction from the courts that meaningful consultation is required.”
Takla Lake First Nations has been working with Nadleh Whut’en and Nak’azdli First Nations in proposing a separate First Nations review process for large projects, which has been rejected by both BC and Canada. “Until the government comes to the table with the willingness to change how it meaningfully consults and includes us in joint decision-making, including the establishment of environmental review processes, we will continue to have uncertainty in Takla’s territory.”
This report comes at an opportune time, since the National Energy Board’s recent announcement to issue a Joint Panel Review of the proposed Enbridge Pipeline. “I encourage all First Nations affected by the Enbridge Pipeline Joint Panel Review process to read our report and work together,” said Chief Abraham. “Investors should be very nervous. First Nations are not adequately consulted through these flawed processes.”
In addition to the report, the Tse Keh Nay developed a documentary about their struggle call “Amazay: A Film About Water”.
Contact:
Chief Dolly Abraham: 250-564-9321
Resources:
Takla Lake First Nation - http://www.taklafn.ca/nation/31/home
Documentary available at Tse Keh Nay website - http://www.tsekehnay.net/
Report available - http://www.cstc.bc.ca/cstc/81/envtal+assmts
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