B.C. resource rush tests Indigenous reconciliation – Bowen Island Undercurrent
Some leaders warn B.C. and Ottawa are on a dangerous path with First Nations
This month, British Columbia approved the environmental certificate for the Ksi Lisims liquefied natural gas terminal—the latest in a string of decisions signalling a new appetite for industrial expansion in the province.
Eva Clayton, president of Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government, hailed the project as a “transformational opportunity” and a symbol of Indigenous reconciliation. But for others, it has highlighted a growing divide—only two of the 10 other First Nations consulted gave their consent for the project.
The dissent mirrors the recent approval of the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) pipeline, which will feed the terminal. In June, several First Nations along the pipeline route opposed the project’s “substantial start” declaration, and in late August, nine months of consultation with eight First Nations resulted in only a single nation explicitly consenting to an amended pipeline route.
