Tsleil-Waututh Nation Statement on Events on Burnaby Mountain

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Tsleil-Waututh Nation, North Vancouver, BC – November 21, 2014)

The Tsleil-Waututh Nation issued the following statement regarding events yesterday on Burnaby Mountain:

Burnaby Mountain is unceded Coast Salish Territory.

From the Tsleil-Waututh reserve, we look out onto Burnaby Mountain every day, in the heart of our traditional lands and waters. Today, we are praying for the safety of the people on Burnaby Mountain. Tsleil-Waututh Nation shares their grave concern about the threats posed by this risky and reckless Kinder Morgan expansion project, and remains steadfast in our opposition. The protectors are up there doing what they can to make their voices heard. We respect their choices, as we each play out our varied roles to stop Kinder Morgan’s expansion.

Since 2012, Tsleil-Waututh has been formally opposed to the Kinder Morgan expansion project. This project threatens the ecological and cultural health of the region and its communities.

This is not just a Tsleil-Waututh issue or an aboriginal rights issue; this is everyone’s issue – residents of the Lower Mainland, local and regional governments, the environmental community and all First Nations should all be concerned.

As citizens with the right to voice our concerns, we will ALL continue to carry out our varied roles and responsibilities to protect our homelands and waters. For Tsleil-Waututh, it is our sacred obligation.

In our shared opposition to Kinder Morgan, we are many people paddling one canoe. Our united opposition and the sum of our collective voices will ensure that this pipeline is never built.

Background

Tsleil-Waututh Nation is a progressive and vibrant Coast Salish community of approximately 500 members located along the shores of Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada.

Tsleil-Waututh are the ‘People of the Inlet.’ The Nation has exercised stewardship responsibility for its lands and waters since time out of mind. The pipeline ends at the Westridge terminal located on Burrard Inlet. The Tsleil-Waututh Nation is actively working towards restoring the health of Burrard Inlet.

Earlier this year, the Tsleil-Waututh Nation launched a legal challenge of Kinder Morgan’s pipeline and tankers project. This is the first legal challenge against the new pipeline and tanker proposal, and cited the federal government’s failure to first consult Tsleil-Waututh on key decisions about the environmental assessment and regulatory review of the project.
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For more information please visit the Nation’s Website at stage.twn.affinitybridge.com
Media Contact: media@twnation.ca