TSLEIL-WAUTUTH NATION Opposes Trans Mountain Pipeline at Kinder Morgan Inc. AGM in Houston, TX

“We will never consent” states TWN; 58,000 Sign Corporate Watchdog’s Petition Urging Kinder Morgan to Respect Indigenous Rights and Abandon Pipeline Expansion Plan

HOUSTON, TEXAS – Thursday, May 7th, representatives of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, the “People of the Inlet”, attended Kinder Morgan Inc.’s (KMI) Annual General Shareholder Meeting in Houston to state their steadfast opposition to the corporation’s planned expansion of the TransMountain pipeline and tanker project. The pipeline, storage, and marine shipping facilities are in the heart of Tsleil-Waututh’s traditional territory, and the expansion project would result in more than 890,000 barrels of crude oil being exported by tanker through Burrard Inlet and the Salish Sea daily.

Rueben George, member of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Sundance Chief, travelled to Houston to attend Kinder Morgan’s Annual Meeting to deliver a clear message directly to the energy giant’s executive team, including Richard Kinder, CEO and Chairman of Kinder Morgan Inc.

“I’m here to tell you that Tsleil-Waututh Nation will never consent to the Trans Mountain project.” George stated at the meeting. “And we have the legal tools to stop it. We have disqualified the project in our own Indigenous laws. Our rights are also entrenched and protected under the Canadian Constitution and we will use all legal means necessary to stop the project.”

Last week, representatives of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation met with institutional investors based in New York City, Boston and Pennsylvania representing approximately $10B in KMI shares. Tsleil-Waututh Nation Chief Maureen Thomas conveyed TWN’s unwavering opposition to the project and the legal and financial risk that their opposition represents.

“Our community voted unanimously to oppose this project because the risks are too great and far outweigh any supposed benefits.” Said Chief Thomas.

“We know that spills happen and when they do they can’t be cleaned up. And that is why we will stop the pipeline expansion for our future generations and those of everyone else who lives around the Salish Sea.”

Mr. George also delivered a petition demanding Kinder Morgan to respect Indigenous rights and abandon the project. The petition garnered over 58,000 signatures in less than 48 hours.

“The Tsleil-Waututh are not alone in opposing this reckless project.” Said George to Mr. Kinder. “Several other First Nations, US Tribes and the public in BC and around the world stand with us in saying ‘this pipeline will never get built.’”

VIEW THE PETITION HERE: http://sumofus.org/kinder-morgan