Council of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation in the signing of an International Treaty

A group of influential Indigenous leaders joined Chief Maureen Thomas and the Council of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation in the signing of an International Treaty to protect land, water and Indigenous ways of life against tar sands projects. With ratification from nations opposed to Keystone XL, Enbridge Northern Gateway, Enbridge Line 9 and now Kinder Morgan, the International Treaty to Protect the Sacred from Tar Sands Projects effectively closes off all exits for tar sands oil to international markets. The treaty was created by the Yankton Sioux and Pawnee Nations and has since been signed by more than 10 Indigenous Nations since its creation in January 2013. The Tsleil-Waututh is the first Nation to sign the Treaty opposing Kinder Morgan. Standing from right to left: Deborah Parker, Vice Chairwoman of the Tulalip Tribes, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, Hereditary Chief Phil Lane Jr. of the Ihanktonwan Dakota and Chickasaw Nations, and Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn-A-in-chut Atleo. Seated from left to right: Jewell James of the Lummi Tribe and Chief Maureen Thomas of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.