The Gitga’at Nation says 'No' to the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline
It feels like an early spring day here in Prince Rupert as I make my way through the buzzing crowds into the civic centre auditorium. Today, the Gitga’at Nation have organized a rally to demonstrate their firm stance against the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline Project. Upwards of 2,000 people, representing both aboriginal and non-aboriginal voices from up and down the coast, are here.
There’s a sense of connection in the air, of taking collective responsibility. It feels good. But there’s both hope and fear. The future of the Great Bear is at stake.
The rally, organized by the Gitga’at Nation to demonstrate their firm stance against the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline Project. Photo Credit: Mike Ambach
While the issue is dead serious, the event is full of energy. The highlight for me was undoubtedly the performance of the Gitga’at cultural dancers. As is often the case, the performance included an invitation to everyone to join in. And we did!
The place shook.
The program presenters included hereditary Chiefs and leaders from the Gitga’at, Haisla, Metlakatla, Lax Kwa’laams, Nisga’a, and others. Performers from 10-year-old Ta’Kaiya Blaney to musician/poet/actor Bif Naked both entertained and inspired the crowd. Journalist and author Andrew Nikiforuk, photographer Garth Lenz, and BC’s own firebrand journalist Rafe Mair, all lent their voices to what has become the defining issue for the future of the Great Bear.
WWF was one of several environmental groups asked to speak. For me it was an honor and a privilege to do so, not only because I wear the WWF hat, but because I live in the Great Bear region. Here is part of what I had to share:
The Great Bear is one of the last remaining large intact temperate rainforests on earth, with largely healthy oceans, vibrant connections between the land and sea, and most importantly, a commitment to keeping them that way.
We’ve gradually seen the loss of other parts of the world where similar values exist, but here something else is possible: we can conduct ourselves as a species with respect for the other life around us. We can live in harmony with the ecosystems that ultimately supports us.
In 2006, the Great Bear deal was signed. Coastal First Nations, resource users, and other stakeholders decided to apply the brakes to the way the coastal forests were being used and make a change. As everyone here knows, the forests and oceans are deeply connected. It took a lot of courage and a lot of work to make that commitment. WWF awarded the parties involved with something called a Gift to the Earth, an award that recognizes a significant global contribution to biodiversity and sustainability.
That gift does not mean you can’t have a modern economy. It doesn’t mean you can’t have fishing and logging and transport and tourism and other industries. But it does mean we commit to managing those activities with respect to the limits of the environment. It means that we don’t introduce risks where the consequences of accidents are unacceptable. And above all, it means that we respect the vision for the future chosen by the people who depend on a living environment the most. That’s the test.
The proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline Project fails that test.
This is nothing new. Every time the issue of oil and gas transport and development has been raised – over the past 40 years – a great many people who live, work, and care about the coast have stood up and made it clear they’re not willing to see the real wealth of this region compromised.
I don’t see this as a matter of opposing things, this is about supporting things. And there is something incredible to support here, to maintain, and to safeguard for future generations. Again I want to thank the leadership of First Nations who are showing us this.
Together, we can and will succeed. And when we do, Canada will thank us for making this world a better place.
