The Tsleil-Waututh Nation is calling on Lower Mainland residents and all British Columbians to attend and respectfully voice their concerns at the upcoming Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Pipeline information sessions. However, Tsleil-Waututh, as a sovereign government, will not be taking part.
Tsleil-Waututh holds title and rights protected under the Canadian Constitution and will not participate bilaterally with Kinder Morgan in any process that may be legally styled at some point as “consultation” with respect to the pipeline project and its approval processes.
These sessions may be the only formal opportunity for residents to let the company know what they think of its pipeline proposal, but governments have a legal obligation to consult with First Nations. Tsleil-Waututh expects informed, meaningful government-to-government consultation on the Trans Mountain pipeline proposal. The Nation is clear that the federal government cannot entirely delegate its legal obligation to consult and accommodate First Nations to third parties such as Kinder Morgan.
“Our constitutionally recognized rights and title empower our voice, and we will exercise these rights in favour of a healthy environment and sustainable economy,” said Chief Justin George of Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
“People from all backgrounds enjoy Vancouver's great quality of life and we need to unite to protect this environment for all of our future generations. It will take all of us, each voicing our opposition through the channels available to us, to stop this pipeline. When we work together with one heart, one mind, and one spirit great things can happen.”
As part of its Trans Mountain pipeline application process, Kinder Morgan will have to demonstrate public support through consultation and engagement with communities that may be impacted by their proposal.
“It is crucial that residents attend these open houses. Unless the public voices its concerns through this forum, their silence may be deemed as consent,” said Chief George. “We call on all people to make their voices heard.”
Tsleil-Waututh is adamantly opposed to Kinder Morgan’s proposed pipeline project. The Nation has experienced the results of crude oil handling and refining on Burrard Inlet for a number of decades. The risks associated with the pipeline expansion are just too great for its people to accept.
Kinder Morgan upcoming open houses
3 November - North Vancouver - North Shore Neighborhood House - 225 East 2nd Street - 4pm - 7 pm
6 November - Belcarra - Municipal Hall - 4084 Bedwell Bay Road - 5pm - 7pm
7 November - West Vancouver - Kay Meek Centre - 1700 Mathers Ave - 4pm - 7pm
10 November - Bowen Island - Bowen Island Community School - 1041 Mt Gardner Road - 2:30 - 4:30pm
13 November - East Vancouver - Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) - Hastings Room 2901 East Hastings Street - 5pm - 8pm
15 November - Downtown Vancouver -Harbour Centre, Segal Hall - 515 West Hastings Street - 5pm - 8pm
17 November - West Point Grey - Aberthau Mansion, 4397 West 2nd Ave - 5pm - 8pm
According to Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain website, a Burnaby session should be held between November 19 and 25. Dates and details for other communities will likely also be announced through that site: http://talk.transmountain.com/key_date/index/1.
Tsleil-Waututh Nation is a Coast Salish community of approximately 500 members located along the shores of Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver. For more information please visit www.twnation.ca.
