The Northern View is reporting on its website that the Coast Tsimshian members are preparing to take their own action in order to make their concerns over the development of the Fairview Container Port heard. Included in their thoughts apparently are preparations for blockades in the region. They were quick to add they were hoping that there would be no need for that step in the end, while at the same time reminding the stakeholders in the project that all transportation lines run through Coast Tsimshian reservations.
The long simmering dispute has occasionally flashed up over the last few months, with discussions apparently continuing on, though not to any resolution of the main issues of contention for the Coast Tsimshian, those being inadequate consultation and compensation during the development of the Fairview Container Terminal.
The Northern View outlined the thoughts of Metlakatla Chief Harold Leighton, who expressed his frustration at the current situation and suggested that the time may be near to implement their plans of action.
Coast Tsimshian stepping up activity
By Arthur WilliamsBlack Press
May 30 2007
Anger is still brewing amongst members of the Coast Tsimshian First Nation over what they say was inadequate consultation and compensation during the development of the Fairview Container Terminal.
In April the First Nation, comprised of the Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams Bands, issued a statement threatening to, “not allow phase one [of the container terminal] to commence operations unless our concerns have been addressed.”
“Basically things haven’t changed,” Metlakatla Chief Harold Leighton said.
“There has been no progress with the federal government or Port of Prince Rupert. We met with Minister [for the Pacific Gateway David] Emerson in late February and he said, ‘Give me 10 days to two weeks to respond to you.’ But we haven’t heard anything. Nobody is talking to us – the frustration is building.”
Leighton said First Nation members are preparing to take their own action to make their concerns heard.
“The First Nations have put a plan together and are moving forward to implement that plan. It will include a rally with an invitation to all First Nations in B.C. – after that, a series of actions,” Leighton said.
“Provincially we’ve received a fair amount of support. The issues we’re dealing with here are the same across B.C. and Canada.”
Leighton hinted that blockades may be in the works for Prince Rupert unless their issues are resolved.
“Hopefully we won’t have to go that far to get recognition. But I expect it will be considered,” Leighton said.
“The only thing I call tell you is all transportation corridors go through Coast Tsimshian reservations.”
Prince Rupert Port Authority president and CEO Don Krusel said port officials are working with First Nations to resolve their issues.
“There are activities behind the scenes taking place to accelerate the discussions with the local First Nations regarding the development,” he said.
“As that process unfolds, we remain confident that these issues will be resolved.”
As long as that discussion is happening, Krusel said, he doesn’t expect any Caledonia-style blockades of the port.
CN Rail mountain region general manager Tom Bourgonje said he currently isn’t concerned about the possibility of rail line blockades in the Prince Rupert area.
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