First Nations Major Projects Coalition In PG

Mar 27, 2018 | 3:13 PM

Pipeline projects, renewable energy production, liquified natural gas are all industries with major projects pending and the First Nation Major Projects Coalition has come together this week in Prince George to look at ways to take advantage of them.

“The projects that we focus on are over $100 million. Community members come together at the Coalition meeting and they want the Coalition to bring forth projects that may be of interest.

The First Nations LNG Alliance released a report today, discrediting green organizations’ assertions that First Nations are opposed to fossil fuel-based projects.

“The green organizations, I question it, I question all of their reports,” says Joe Bevan, Chief of the Kitselas First Nation. “None of them have spoken with me. For them to come into my territory and say that I don’t support [fossil fuel projects] is almost negligence.

Coalition Chair Sharleen Gale says the environmental impacts of major projects is top of mind for the Coalition.

“A lot of the concerns that First Nations people have when a major project is coming into their territory is the environmental stewardship of it.”
 
Chief Bevan says there are ample opportunities with these projects to generate training and jobs for First Nations people.

“For some us Chiefs who have seen three generations of one family on social assistance, it’s time that we stopped managing poverty and start managing wealth.”