* Press release September 9, 2015, 9 allied tribes of Lax'walams support hereditary chiefs LeLu Island camp

Wednesday, September 9, 2015 1:12 PM

Press Release September 9, 2015

9 Allied Tribes of Lax'walams Support Hereditary Chiefs LeLu Island Camp To Stop Proposed LNG Plant.

Hereditary Chiefs & House Leaders of the Lax'walams First Nation have established a Camp on LeLu Island to stop further work on the proposed LNG Plant on the Flora Bank, a pristine fishing location.

Donald Wesley "Yahaan" Hereditary Chief says that, "our Traditional ways of life and the resources which have sustained our people are not to be pawns in the Christie Clark Governments LNG dreams."

Yahaan states further that "development within our Traditional Territories must have our Free, Prior and Informed consent. The people of Lax'walams spoke very clearly in their rejection of the 1.25 billion dollar offer from Petronas, and this camp builds upon that rejection".

Ken Lawson "Gwis'hawaal" Tsimshian House Leader says "Environmental impacts to our Traditional Territories are unacceptable as proposed. We are not opposed to development but this must occur in ways that protect the environment including and especially, the Skeena River Salmon Habitat".

There is a planned meeting today with Senior Officials of the Christy Clark Government where it is hoped that meaningful dialogue can be established so both sides can accomplish a measure of Reconciliation as described by the Supreme Court of Canada.

There are efforts well underway to establish a Northern First Nation Alliance comprised of Tsimshian First Nation, Treaty 8 First Nations, Gitxsan First Nation, Wetsuwaten First Nation and the Council of Haida Nations. There will be further communication of this Alliance in the next few days.

"This issue is not just a First Nation issue but one that will affect all British Columbians, especially those who rely upon healthy and abundant Fish stocks, of a variety of species at the mouth of the Skeena River" says Donald Wesley "Yahaan".

Media inquiries: Hereditary Chief Donald Wesley contact info 250 615 7787