Wet'suwet'en News
Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs Frustrated with Enbridge
August 30, 2010
Smithers, BC: The Wet’suwet’en are increasingly frustrated over the lack of recognition and
respect for Wet’suwet’en Traditional Governance and Authority. The Crown’s (Canadian
Environmental Assessment Agency) regulatory process for Enbridge’s proposed project
acknowledges Aboriginal Rights but not Title, despite the Delgamuukw/ Gisday’wa Supreme Court
of Canada ruling that Aboriginal Title has never been extinguished.
The Wet’suwet’en continue to assert title, rights and authority as the rightful title holders of 22,
000 km2 of territory encompassing the headwaters of the Wedzin’kwa (Bulkley-Morice Rivers), and
the upper reaches of the Nechako watershed. Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs and members
collectively hold title, rights and authority over the land and resources of House territories, and
are responsible for the welfare of all life on the territories.”
“Enbridge’s The Northern Gateways Pipeline Project not only poses a serious threat to
environmental integrity of five Wet’suwet’en House territories, “ stated Tsayu Chief Namoks (John
Ridsdale), “ but it also fails to recognize Wet’suwet’en title to these territories has never been
ceded, surrendered or in any way relinquished title.”
Despite 14 years of Treaty negotiations costing Wet’suwet’en over $14 million, the Crown has not
recognized Wet’suwet’en governance, authority and title over 22, 000 sq. kms of territory
encompassing the headwaters of the Wedzin’kwa (Bulkley-Morice Rivers), and the upper reaches
of the Nechako watershed.
The Crown’s (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency) regulatory process for Enbridge’s
proposed project acknowledges Aboriginal Rights but ignores the Delgamuukw/ Gisday’wa
Supreme Court of Canada ruling that Wet’suwet’en Title has never been extinguished. Numerous
reminders of notifications of this have yet to be addressed.
“The lack of recognition and participation funding from the Crown and/or Enbridge places
Wet’suwet’en at a strategic disadvantage,” said David de Wit, Manager of OW’s Natural
Resources, “with the Joint Review Panel Hearings already underway. We have communication
and engagement responsibilities to our Clans and Communities, as well as, preparing Hearing
submissions for the regulatory process. This proposed project is already costing us time, money
and resources.”
The Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs require all private sector land use and resource development
proponents proposing projects on Wet’suwet’en territories to present project plans to the
affected House Chief and members, gain permission to proceed, and enter into an agreement
supporting the full participation of the Office of the Wet’suwet’en (OW) in the review of Crown
mandated environmental assessment applications.
The Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs are interested in reaching agreements with all levels of
government, and the private sector on acceptable land use and responsible resource development
that will sustain cultural values, protect environmental integrity, support essential social services,
provide economic opportunities, and ensure financial benefits for the betterment of all
Wet’suwet’en.
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For further information contact:
David de Wit, Natural Resource Manager, Office of the Wet’suwet’en
250-847-3630
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