The Pipeline Roadshow concludes tomorrow with its final workshop in Prince George. The six women presenters, representing the Treaty 8 First Nations, the Tahltan First Nation and the Pembina Institute, have been greatly impressed by the calls for First Nations unity coming from these communities.
"The great turnout in each community was a clear indication that people want to have more information about what to expect from oil and gas development in British Columbia. At each of the workshops, one of the strongest messages was that communities intend to work together to find solutions that protect their land and their future," said Karen Campbell, staff lawyer and workshop coordinator for the Pembina Institute.
"I'm worried about the impacts of massive and sudden oil and gas development in all of British Columbia, not just West Moberly lands," said Diane Abel, former councillor at West Moberly First Nations. "We need to support people in protecting lands all across British Columbia from unwelcome and inappropriate resource development," she added.
At least six large-scale pipeline and energy projects are proposed for development within the next five years. The pipelines will affect dozens of First Nations communities and could negatively impact British Columbia's fisheries, disturb wildlife habitat and contribute to global climate change. Unlike other developments, these pipelines will provide little long-term benefits or opportunities for First Nations, who will bear the brunt of the risks associated with the pipelines.
"It is empowering for me to share my experience with people in communities from Kitimat to Prince George, and especially with other women. Women understand that the health and the future of our families depends on keeping our sacred lands intact," said Rhoda Quock of the Iskut First Nation and spokesperson for the Klabona Keepers, an organization of Tahltan elders struggling to protect the headwaters of the Skeena, Stikine and Nass rivers.
"It is clear to me that women have a strong intuition about what needs to be done to protect the lands and rivers of northern British Columbia," added Karen Campbell, staff lawyer with the Pembina Institute.
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For more information:
Diane Abel, West Moberly First Nations, 604-262-8187
Rhoda Quock, Iskut First Nation, 604-928-2258
Karen Campbell, Staff Lawyer, Pembina Institute, 604-928-2258
Download fact sheets for more information on impacts of oil and gas development in British Columbia: www.pembina.org/bc
Final workshop, Prince George: Friday October 20
UNBC Conference Centre, Room 5-176