Photo: January 14, 2013 – Opponents of the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline rally outside the environmental assessments hearings conducted by the Joint Review Panel.. Caelie Framption, 2013
The Canadian government is expected to make a decision on the Northern Gateway Pipeline proposal in the coming months. Despite a lengthy review process, the federal government has still not adequately addressed the rights of First Nations who would be affected by the pipeline.
In 2011, 61 First Nations in British Columbia whose traditional territories would be crossed by the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline, or who depend on downstream or coastal waters, issued a declaration opposing the oil sands pipeline. They called the pipeline a “grave threat” to their cultures and to future generations.
The federal government must listen to these and other First Nations and agree that the pipeline will not go ahead without their consent.
4 reasons why the Northern Gateway pipeline must not be approved against the wishes of affected First Nations:
- Indigenous peoples have the right to make their own decisions about how and when their lands will be used.
- Canadian courts have clearly said that the failure to negotiate treaties or other resolution of longstanding land and resource disputes should not give governments the power to “run roughshod” over Indigenous peoples’ rights.
- International human rights standards, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, require the highest standard of precaution in all decisions potentially affecting Indigenous peoples’ relationship with their lands and territories.
- When there is potential for serious harm – whether because of the scale and nature of the project or because of the harms that have already been inflicted on Indigenous peoples – the standard of precaution required is that decisions should be made with Indigenous peoples’ free, prior and informed consent
Amnesty International is urging the federal government to listen to these First Nations and agree that the project should not proceed against their wishes. Take action now!
Background:
Last December, an environmental review panel recommended that that the federal cabinet approve the Northern Gateway pipeline, subject to numerous conditions, including further consultation with First Nations.
While human rights obligations were raised during the environmental assessment, they were never properly addressed because of the limited mandate imposed on the process.
In response to the assessment report, affected First Nations, including the Nadleh Whut’en, Nak’azdli, Takla Lake, Saik’uz, Wet’suwet’en, and Tl’azt’en First Nations (known as the Yinka Dene Alliance) affirmed their steadfast opposition to the project.