AFN Urges BC Government to Fulfill Promise of Reconciliation as Federal Government Decides Not to Oppose Site C Dam Injunction

OTTAWA, May 15, 2018 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde today acknowledged the Government of Canada's decision not to intervene in a legal action by First Nations to halt construction of the Site C Dam in B.C. National Chief Bellegarde called on the B.C. Government to do the same and work with First Nations to find a solution that respects inherent rights, title and Treaty rights in keeping with Canadian and international law.

"The Government of Canada's move comes at a time when the country is focused on reconciliation, and First Nations across the country are focused on ensuring their rights to their traditional territories are upheld," said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde.  "The B.C. government needs to show its support for reconciliation and First Nations rights. West Moberly First Nations, Prophet River First Nation and Treaty 8 First Nations have requested B.C. Premier John Horgan work directly with them to find a solution. The time for that is now."

In January, West Moberly First Nations and Prophet River First Nation filed a civil court case against the provincial government, B.C. Hydro and the federal government on the basis that the Site C dam violated their rights. West Moberly requested an injunction by the court to halt construction pending the outcome of the rights case. It was reported that the federal government served notice to the B.C. Supreme Court that it will not oppose the injunction.  The Government of Canada approved plans for the Site C Dam in 2014. 

The AFN Chiefs-in-Assembly have a longstanding position opposing the proposed $10.7 billion hydroelectric project that would flood thousands of acres of traditional territories and prevent First Nations from exercising their rights. For years, Treaty 8 First Nations have taken legal action to overturn approvals of the dam. National Chief Bellegarde toured the site in 2016 and wrote to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to oppose the project. He has also raised the issue with various United Nations human rights bodies.

"First Nations have rights and responsibilities to protect, maintain and sustain our territories," said National Chief Bellegarde. "The B.C. government pledged to work toward reconciliation. This is an important opportunity to give life to that promise."

There are a number of AFN resolutions calling for action to stop Site C, including AFN resolution 03/2010, resolution 41/2015 and resolution 71/2015. AFN resolutions are available at: afn.ca/en/resolutions 

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates. 

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations

Jamie Monastyrski, Press Secretary - National Chief's Office, 613-241-6789 ext. 116, 343-540-6179 mobile, [email protected]; Jenna Young Castro, Communications Officer, 613-241-6789, ext 201, 613-314-8157 mobile, [email protected]; Monica Poirier, Bilingual Communications Officer, 613-241-6789 ext. 282, 613-292-0857 mobile, [email protected]