Another B.C. First Nation signs declaration against oil-sands pipelines

VANCOUVER – Another First Nation in British Columbia has taken a stand against the construction and upgrading of pipelines that will carry petroleum products from Alberta’s oil sands to the Pacific coast.

During a weekend ceremony, North Vancouver’s Tsleil-Waututh Nation added its name to the Save the Fraser Declaration.

Signatories to the document vow they will not allow pipelines carrying oil-sands products to cross their lands, territories or watersheds or the migration routes of Fraser River salmon.

Tsleil-Waututh Chief Justin George says his band has an obligation and birthright to care for the lands and waters in its territory.

The band say more than 100 First Nations have now signed the declaration.

Two major pipeline projects are currently planned for B.C., including Enbridge Inc.’s (TSX:ENB) $5.5-billion Northern Gateway pipeline and Kinder Morgan Canada’s expansion of its Trans Mountain pipeline.