Lawyer argues B.C. government’s approval of Site C dam violates Treaty 8

26/04/15
Author: 
Mark Hume
Link: 
The Globe and Mail
Gord Eby, a resident of Fort St. John, fishes on the Peace River in February. Treaty 8 First Nations argue that if the $8.8 billion dam goes ahead, it will have devastating impact on their ability to hunt, trap and fish.

A treaty signed 116 years ago promising First Nations the right to pursue traditional lives is a key part of a legal challenge to the B.C. government’s approval of the Site C dam.

The Prophet River and West Moberly First Nations, along with the McLeod Lake Indian Band, opened arguments in the Supreme Court of B.C. on Thursday, saying that if BC Hydro’s $8.8-billion dam goes ahead, it will have devastating impact on their ability to hunt, trap and fish, which is already compromised because of resource developments in the Peace River region.

Construction of the dam is due to start in June, but first the government and BC Hydro have to overcome a court challenge filed by local landowners, which was in court earlier this week, and now one by Treaty 8 First Nations. Both cases are seeking a judicial review of the government’s decision.

Category: 
British Columbia
Indigenous Peoples
Protest - Revolt