Steven Heywood Peninsula News Review
First Nations chiefs on the east side of the Saanich Inlet are opposing the proposed Malahat LNG project and are calling on their neighbours to stand with them.
The Chiefs of the Tsawout, Pauquachin, Tseycum and Tsartlip First Nations stood at an overlook at the Tsawout community Tuesday morning. With the site of the proposed floating liquified natural gas terminal in the background, the chiefs decried what they called a lack of consultation by the proponent, Steelhead LNG, and the granting in October last year of an export licence to the company by the National Energy Board.
Steelhead LNG has proposed an LNG terminal and liquefaction plant on the west side of the inlet at Bamberton, as well as an underwater gas pipeline. The company had announced an agreement with the Malahat First Nation in August, 2015.
Tsawout Chief Don Tom said there are no conditions under which his community would support the project, as it directly impacts on their fishing and hunting rights and spiritual connection to the inlet.
“This would not benefit us in any way and undo all of the rehabilitation work that has gone on in the Sannich Inlet,” he said.
Tom said local First Nations are trying to protect their way of life, recognized under treaty. That requires, he continued, government at all levels and proponents like Steelhead LNG to consult with them.
“Under our law, when people come in to our territory and disrupt those laws and rights, it’s our obligation to correct them.”
The chiefs, in a media release, also put the Province of B.C. “on notice that they do not have jurisdiction to interfere with the continuity of our treaty rights and will incur liability and put any LNG project at significant risk of cancellation should they choose to provide permits and authorizations to the proponents without our consent.”
Tom added proponents of any projects, if they disregard the community, will be “invited to leave.”
“We are here to say if Steelhead LNG continues as it has been, it is unwelcome to do business in this territory,” Tom said.
Harvey Underwood, Chief of the Tsawout First Nation, and Rebecca Davis, Chief of the Pauquachin, added their support to Tom and the opposition to Malahat LNG.
Tsartlip Edler Tom Sampson said the courts have upheld First Nations treaty rights and the communities along the Saanich Inlet “are not going to give it away.”
“We are the legal owners of this land…and LNG will never come here,” he said.
Tom said the WSANEC First Nations are looking into legal and political options.
“We will request a meeting with the prime minister when he’s here on the Island on March 11 to 13,” he said. “We will discuss the Crown’s obligations and duty to First Nations.”
Tom added he welcomes neighbouring municipalities, if they stand against Malahat LNG, to contribute to a legal war chest.