British Columbia - October 1, 2007 -- First Nations' people from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories came together with community members and environmental groups in Fort St. John, British Columbia, last week to declare their intent to protect the Arctic Drainage Basin, including the Peace, Athabasca, Liard and other northern waterways.
The Keepers of the Water II conference, hosted by the West Moberly First Nations, Saulteau First Nations and Peace Valley Environmental Association, concluded on International Rivers Day, September 29. "We came together and agreed that we must stand united if there is any chance to protect our precious water resources," said Pat Marcel, an elder with the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. "This broad coalition of First Nations, community groups and environmental organizations might finally turn the tide in protecting our water," he added.
Delegates to the conference developed a framework for a Grassroots Watershed Plan to protect the basin. "This plan is something that participants feel very passionate about. It should have been in the works long ago, and I'm pleased to see that it is happening now," said Karen Campbell, BC Policy Director for the Pembina Institute.
"I'm excited to see local citizens and First Nations finally working together," said Harvey Scott of the Athabasca River Alliance. "It was powerful to come to British Columbia and to know that others share the same concerns that we do in the Athabasca watershed," he added.
The conference addressed many water issues, including quality, quantity and ecosystem integrity. "The Peace River Watershed Council is a powerful force that brings together First Nations, local citizens, regional governments and industry. The British Columbia government needs to renew its support for this and other watershed councils," said Reg Whiten of the Peace River Watershed Council.
"Water should not be bought or sold, it is the lifeblood for us all," said Chief Roland Willson of the West Moberly First Nations. "We will continue to build power until we are heard by governments. Support of other First Nations and local citizens is critical, particularly as the British Columbia government is renewing plans to develop the Site C dam on the Peace River."
When asked about Site C, Elder Pat Marcel said "we will stand beside our neighbours 150% to stop the Site C dam."
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For more information contact:
Roland Willson, Chief, West Moberly First Nations, Cell: 250-783-0733
Pat Marcel, Elder, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Cell: 780-799-2157
Harvey Scott, Athabasca River Alliance, Ph: 780-675-4158
Karen Campbell, BC Policy Director, Pembina Institute, Cell: 604-928-2258
Reg Whiten, Director, Peace River Watershed Council, Cell: 250-401-8638