First Nations Unite Against Tar Sands Pipelines and Tankers in British Columbia

Strategic Insights -

First Nations across British Columbia have united in opposition to the export of tar sands crude oil through their territories, effectively banning the practice throughout the entire province. This decision comes in response to recent calls from the Harper government and oil executives to push through pipeline and tanker projects against the wishes of British Columbians and First Nations. The Save the Fraser Declaration, signed by over 130 Nations, bans tar sands oil pipelines throughout the Fraser River watershed and prohibits tar sands crude oil tankers in the ocean migration routes of Fraser River salmon.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Save the Fraser Declaration, signed by over 130 First Nations, bans tar sands oil pipelines throughout the Fraser River watershed and prohibits tar sands crude oil tankers in the ocean migration routes of Fraser River salmon.
  • The declaration effectively bans the export of tar sands crude oil through First Nations territories, including those controlled by Enbridge in the north and Kinder-Morgan in the south.
  • The First Nations opposition to oil pipelines and tankers is unbroken from the U.S. border to the Arctic Ocean, forming an unbroken wall of resistance.
  • International law requires the consent of First Nations for pipelines and tankers in their territories, making it impossible for oil pipelines to bypass opposed First Nations.
  • The Harper government and oil executives have been urged to respect First Nations' rights and stop pushing for pipeline and tanker projects against their wishes.
  • The Union of BC Indian Chiefs has endorsed the Save the Fraser Declaration and the Coastal First Nations Declaration, recognizing that they prohibit the transportation of tar sands crude by pipeline and tanker anywhere in BC.
  • The Coastal First Nations have declared a ban on crude oil tanker traffic on the north coast of BC since 2010.

Statistics:

  • Over 130 First Nations have signed the Save the Fraser Declaration banning tar sands oil pipelines and tankers in their territories.
  • Majority of First Nations in BC have come together to stop the threat of oil spills, with over 60 Nations signing the Save the Fraser Declaration.
  • The Fraser River watershed covers an area of approximately 100,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest watersheds in North America.
  • The Coastal First Nations, representing most First Nations in BC, have passed a resolution endorsing the Save the Fraser Declaration.

Sources:

  • Marketwire, Inc. (December 1, 2011) - (ARTICLE)
  • Gathering of Nations

Marketwire, Inc. (2010) - (ARTICLE)

  • Coastal First Nations - (WEBSITE)