Wet'suwet'en First Nation Convenes Meeting With Several First Nations to Explore Opportunities

WET'SUWET'EN FIRST NATION ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES, PALLING, BC, May 27, 2015 /CNW/ - Chief Karen Ogen convened a meeting where chiefs and representatives from Wet'suwet'en First Nation, Representing Betty Patrick of Lake Babine Nation, Chief Dan George of Burns Lake Band, Chief Ray Morris of Nee Tahi Buhn Band, Chris Smith of Haisla Nation, and Chief Rene Skin of Skin Tyee First Nation met to explore how to work together to support each other moving forward.  Chief Joe Bevan of Kitselas First Nation was not in attendance but supports this process moving forward.

Areas of common interest include, capacity building, LNG projects, training, employment and environmental concerns as Wet'suwet'en Territory faces development potential.

"Our communities are frustrated by the negative portrayal of First Nation support of LNG projects in our Territories", Chief Ogen said.  "We want to work together to maximize our opportunities and also to provide accurate information about proposed projects and their impacts."  The leaders at the meeting were excited about the potential benefits of working together and will be meeting monthly to continue to explore these opportunities. 

"I will be advancing the concept of a First Nation LNG Alliance to assist our communities with providing the information needs our members need in relation to these projects, as well as ensuring agreements with government and industry are implemented properly to maximize benefits to our members and to protect the environment," said Chief Ogen.

SOURCE Wet'suwet'en First Nation

Chief Karen Ogen, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected], Twitter: @karen_ogen, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChiefKarenOgen