Haisla notes add to the discussion over Coastal GasLink themes

Haisla Chief Councillor Crystal Smith has delivered a number
of information articles on the issue of LNG development
posting them to the Haisla Nation website
(photo from Haisla Nation)

The last four days in the Wet'suwet'en territory have served to put the Coastal GasLink pipeline project into the national and international spotlight, with the resource pipeline that would transport gas from the Northern British Columbia to terminal facilities in Kitimat making for the latest flash point in relations between Federal and provincial governments and some representatives of First Nations in the Northwest.

The arrest of fourteen participants on Monday at a check point at the Morice River Bridge and accompanying day of protest of Tuesday have provided for no shortage of background on the differences of opinions between the hereditary and elected officials of the region when it comes to the development of resources.

To add to some of the perspective on the issues on the front burner these days, the Haisla Nation which will host the proposed LNG Canada terminal once it is built, have delivered a pair of articles of note for their residents.

The contributions offering up some background on how their council views the prospect of development and how it may be used by the community to increase opportunities.

Posted to the Haisla website and penned by Chief Councillor Crystal Smith, the most recent of the two contributions offers an answer to claims that the council may have sold out the Haisla people.

Titled Investing in ourselves is not selling out, the Chief Councillor provides a rebuttal for those opposing the Haisla plans noting how for First Nations of British Columbia to have real independence and sovereignty, they need to accept that there are Indigenous communities which support LNG.

The final passage of the article provides a glimpse into some of the tone that Chief Councillor has had to address when it comes to the issues of LNG and how she believes the path chosen by the Haisla is the best one for their people.

Am I a hypocrite for wanting to leverage opportunities with LNG to build a new Health Centre for my community? (Of which construction is underway.) 

Am I a corporate shill for supporting the agreements which means we have a staff of Haisla members in our organization focused entirely on our language and culture? 

Am I betraying my ancestors by saying we want a seat at the table to discuss any proposals for Haisla Territory? 

 I’ve been called every name in the book for my support for LNG. Yet I know our Council is doing what is right to support our members and our community. It’s not selling out. It’s investing in ourselves.

You can review the full article here.

It is a follow up to a previous essay which explained why the Haisla Nation was standing behind LNG and the proposed terminal in their territory.

That article appeared as an open letter to opponents and critics of LNG development from the Chief Councillor.

The letter observes as to some of the past history of resource development issues and also outlines how the Haisla have been engaged with Coastal GasLink.

What guides our decision-making is whether a project will make the right choices to maintain and enhance the environment, and whether the proponents will properly and effectively include Haisla people to enhance our quality of life. LNG Canada and Coastal GasLink have met our standards. 

 We urge you to think strongly about how your opposition to LNG developments is causing harm to our people and our wellbeing. Opposition does nothing towards empowering our Nation, but rather dismisses our Rights and Title and works towards separating our people from real benefits.

The complete text of the open letter can be reviewed here.

For more notes on the proposed terminal for the Kitimat region see our archive page here.

Developments related to gas pipeline projects across the Northwest can be examined here.

Background notes through the year on the Haisla Nation can be found from our archive here.


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