Fort Nelson, BC November 29, 2012 — The Fort Nelson First Nation in northeastern British Columbia has launched a petition on Change.org calling on Premier Christy Clark to place a moratorium on the issuance of all long-term water withdrawal licenses related to the shale gas industry in Fort Nelson First Nations Territory until thorough consultation and environmental assessment is complete.
23,000 JOIN FORT NELSON FIRST NATION IN TELLING PREMIER CLARK: DON'T GIVE AWAY TRILLIONS OF LITRES FOR FRACKING
- 23,000 signature petition demands consultation and environmental assessment prior to issuance of long-term water withdrawal licenses for the shale gas industry on First Nations Land.
- Encana's license is one of 20 similar applications totaling trillions of litres per year that could be withdrawn from the Fort Nelson River in Northern B.C.
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Time-lapse video demonstrates the recent proliferation of high-volume water withdrawals in the Fort Nelson First Nation's territory. VIDEO:
https://change.box.com/s/sr11lfunw7k5u48ja3pz
Currently there are 20 licenses under review. With one license already approved and under legal appeal, Encana is the next in line and has requested the right to draw three billion litres of water per year from the Fort Nelson River on the Fort Nelson First Nation land.
"The Fort Nelson River is the lifeblood of our community. We use it to travel between our villages, it's where we fish, it's where our hunting grounds are. It gives us a cultural and spiritual connection to our land," said Chief Sharleen Wildeman. "It would be an insult for the B.C. Government to hand over the rights to remove billions and possibly trillions of litres from it without consulting with our community. It is irresponsible for them to do this without fully studying the issue and potential environmental impacts first"
On their petition page the Fort Nelson First Nation asks for "adequate baseline studies, proper regional monitoring, cumulative impact assessment, and protected areas to sustain fish and wildlife habitat." According to the community, none of this has been done.
The petition launched on October 30th now has over 23,000 signatures and is still climbing. The Fort Nelson First Nation believes their best way of achieving real protection at this point is through generating public awareness and support.
"Until recently, this issue wasn't well-known among Canadians. It seemed like the government and shale gas industry were counting on things staying quiet so they could push these licenses through," said Lana Lowe, Director of Lands for the Fort Nelson First Nation. "Now we have over 23,000 people standing behind us, watching the government and industry, and helping us defend our land and our rights."
Signatures and petition comments are sent via email to Premier Clark. In addition to their petition, Fort Nelson First Nation has been inundated with support from leading First Nations and environmental organizations including the Dogwood Initiative, Rivers Without Borders and Forest Ethics Advocacy. As well, independent B.C. MLAs Bob Simpson and Vicki Huntington have signed and endorsed the petition.
"It's been great to watch the Fort Nelson First Nation mobilize and make so many people aware of their issue through Change.org," said Lauryn Drainie, a campaigner with Change.org. "Having this many members of the public onside will certainly help them in their fight."
Journalists interested in setting up an interview should use the contact details at the top of the page.
Live signature totals from the Fort Nelson First Nation's campaign:
www.change.org/ProtectNorthernWaters
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