B.C. First Nation calls for halt to pipeline work in territory

The Katzie First Nation has called on the Trans Mountain Corporation (TMC) to stop all work on its territory in the Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge area.

The Nation says the corporation is breaching conditions that require Indigenous participation and consultation, to manage and mitigate impacts to the community.

But a Trans Mountain spokesperson told CityNews it’s aware of Katzie’s concerns and says it continues to engage with the Nation.

“Trans Mountain has engaged extensively with all Indigenous communities along our Expansion Project corridor. We continue to engage directly with the Katzie First Nation for activities in their territory, including opportunities to participate in monitoring programs.”

However, TMC says it was not aware of any outstanding compliance issues.

Katzie First Nation Chief Grace George says TMC is “obligated to act in a forthright and open manner.” She says despite that obligation, the flow of information from TMC has been “woefully inadequate” despite repeated requests for information from Katzie about the work being done around Yorkson Creek and Port Hammond.

“Due to a consistent failure on the part of TMC to communicate with Katzie about project activities, and little support from regulators to compel TMC to do so, these efforts have not resulted in greater protection of Katzie sacred and cultural sites,” George said.

George says they are concerned that TMC is “acting in a manner that is out of compliance with federal and provincial project conditions.”

She says the Nation continues to ask for a collaborative decision-making process.

“If the project continues without Katzie’s meaningful participation and engagement, we will explore all other ways to protect our sacred traditional land use sites and cultural values,” George said.