As Horgan Government Weighs Fate of the Megaproject, Treaty 8 Indigenous First Nations, Human Rights and Environmental Groups Bring a Message That Canadians and the World Expect BC to Keep Its Promise to Uphold Indigenous Rights
At 1:00 p.m. on November 2nd, representatives from Treaty 8 First Nations, human rights and environmental groups will present a literal “boat load” of petitions, postcards and solidarity messages urging the Provincial Government to protect the Peace River Valley. Across the country, more than 120,000 people have called for a halt to construction of the Site C dam. Their voices are joined by tens of thousands of solidarity messages from around the world.
The megaproject would flood more 100 km stretch of the Peace River Valley and its tributaries. If construction proceeds, Treaty 8 First Nations would lose hunting grounds, burial sites and other areas vitally significant to their culture, heritage and sustenance.
The BC Utilities Commission review of the economic case for and against the Site C dam will conclude on November 1 with the delivery of its final report to government. While the report findings will test the unsubstantiated economic justifications for the megaproject in northeast BC, the government’s final decision must respect the rights of Indigenous peoples as set out by Treaty, the Canadian Constitution and international human rights law.
WHO: Speaking at the media event will be:
Chief Lynette Tsakoza, Prophet River First Nation
Chief Roland Willson, West Moberly First Nations
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs
Craig Benjamin, Amnesty International
Galen Armstrong, Sierra Club BC
WHAT: Press Conference and Photo Opportunity
WHEN: November 2, 2017, from 13:00 to 13:30
WHERE: Steps of the BC Legislature, 501 Belleville St, Victoria, BC
Contact: Jacob Kuehn, Press Officer, Amnesty International; (w) +1 613 744 7667 x 236; (c) +1 613 853 2142; jkuehn@amnesty.ca
