September 26 2008 » Media Releases
BC First Nations Vote Unanimously for 10-year Coalbed Methane Moratorium
September 26, 2008 (VANCOUVER) – The First Nations Summit has just passed a resolution calling for a 10-year
moratorium on all coalbed methane (CBM) drilling in the province of BC. The resolution comes on the heels of a
similar one passed yesterday by the Union of BC Municipalities.
“The coalbed methane industry is infringing on aboriginal title and rights all over British Columbia,” said Debbie
Pierre, Executive Director of the Office of the Wet’suwet’en. “Our wildlife and wild salmon are threatened, and we
are calling on Gordon Campbell to halt all drilling until we have a better approvals system in place.”
In addition to a moratorium, the resolution calls for the BC government to work with First Nations and others to
develop a rigorous regulatory regime and inclusive process for deciding if and where CBM drilling occurs.
“Contrary to what Gordon Campbell is saying, British Columbia does not have adequate, let alone world class,
regulations for coalbed methane — particularly when it comes to consulting and accommodating First Nations,”
added David deWit, the Wet’suwet’en’s Natural Resources Manager. “This simply has to change.”
In 2007, the Wet’suwet’en Chiefs successfully halted a plan for CBM drilling near Telkwa, BC. Along with other
Northwest BC First Nations they are also working to stop Shell’s CBM drilling at the headwaters of the Nass,
Skeena and Stikine Rivers (Sacred Headwaters).
“We’re not opposed to economic development, but we must ensure our environment and future opportunities are
not jeopardized,” said Ron Nyce, Chief Councillor of Gitwinksihlkw (Nisga’a).
“There is no debate in our territory; coalbed methane is not good,” added Nyce.
In addition to Shell’s drilling plans in the Sacred Headwaters, CBM projects are currently being proposed in the
vicinity of Fernie, Princeton and Hudson’s Hope.
“Coalbed methane extraction has an extensive footprint on our land, with serious consequences for the wildlife and
water that are so important to First Nations people,” said Clarence Willson with the West Moberly First Nations.
The BC First Nations Summit is comprised of the majority of First Nations and Tribal Councils in BC, and provides a
forum to address treaty issues and other matters of common concern.
Six of BC’s major environmental NGOs are also calling for a 10-year moratorium on CBM drilling.
For more information, please contact:
Debbie Pierre and David deWit, Office of the Wet’suwet’en: (250) 847-3630 or 877-9122 (cell)
Ron Nyce, Chief Councilor, Gitwinksihlkw (Nisga’a): (250) 615-8847 (cell)
Clarence Willson, West Moberly First Nation: (250) 788-3663
