Next week representatives from four First Nations communities in Northern BC, along with representatives from the Pembina Institute, a not-for-profit environmental policy research and education organization, are kicking off a series of oil and gas impacts workshops. First Nations speakers from regions already experiencing development will share information about the social and environmental impacts and potential opportunities of development with other First Nations communities living along the proposed Enbridge Gateway Pipeline route.
There are more than six large scale energy and pipeline projects proposed for development in Northern BC within the next five years. The pipelines and related infrastructure will affect more than 30 First Nations communities living along the route and may have significant environmental impacts including damage to fish stock and habitat, local land and wildlife disturbance and increased greenhouse gas emissions contributing to global climate change.
Representatives from the Pembina Institute and First Nations leaders will be available for interviews at the end of each workshop from 3:15 to 4:00. Workshops are free of charge.
The Pipeline Road show keynote speakers and schedule are listed below. For background information on issues affecting First Nation communities and the environment visit www.pembina.org/bc (factsheets will be accessible by Friday, Oct 13).
Media releases will be distributed 24 hours in advance of each workshop, each focusing on different themes related to pipelines and oil and gas development and the particular concerns of the communities along the pipeline route.
Pipeline Roadshow - Protecting Our Land: Resource Development in Aboriginal Communities
Keynote Speakers
- Chief Liz Logan, Fort Nelson First Nation in Treaty 8
- Diane Abel, former councilor, West Moberly First Nations in Treaty 8
- Lillian Moyer, Tahltan elder, Telegraph Creek First Nation
- Rhoda Quock, Tahltan Community Member, Iskut First Nation
All four women have experienced oil and gas development in their communities and will share lessons learned. - Karen Campbell and Ellen Francis, The Pembina Institute.
The Pembina Institute is a not-for-profit environmental policy research and education organization that works extensively on the environmental impacts of oil and gas development.
Schedule
All workshops are from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Monday, October 16: Kitimat
Riverlodge Community Centre
654 West Columbia Ave. Kitimat, BC - Tuesday, October 17: Hagwilget
Hagwilget Small Hall
Hazelton, BC - Wednesday, October 18: Burns Lake
The Gathering Place
Burns Lake Band Conference Room (old high school)
Burns Lake, BC - Thursday, October 19: Fort St. James
Kwah Hall
Fort St James, BC - Friday, October 20: Prince George
UNBC Conference Centre, Room 5-176
Prince George, BC
For more information, contact:
Karen Campbell, Staff Counsel and Director, BC Policy
Cell: 604-928-2258
