By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Apr. 14 -- The Council of Treaty 8 Chiefs (CT8C)—representing six Treaty 8 First Nations in British Columbia through which any pipeline following the Alaska Highway route would pass—is examining the potential impact of the pipeline on its territories, said CT8C Deputy Chief Liz Logan.
She said the group does not oppose economic development in members' territories and is considering participating directly in pipeline projects. But the group opposes any development that ignores the its constitutional interests and treaty rights.
Logan said CT8C questions whether the Northern Pipeline Act and the certificates and regulations issued under it would allow for meaningful exercise of those rights.
"Our communities can still recall being informed for the first time in 1979 about a pipeline that the government had already decided was to be built through our lands," noted Logan. "This is what passed for consultation and First Nations' participation in those days. That will not happen again."
Logan said the construction and operation of any pipeline through Treaty 8 British Columbia "must bring significant, reliable, and long-term benefits to CT8C First Nations and their members. This is a priority for us."