Development continues to frustrate First Nation/settler relations

The West Moberly First Nation says Premier Christy Clark is on the attack against them. Her expressed political support of the Gething Coal Mine Project, slated for operation within the spiritual heartland of West Moberly’s traditional territory, is reprehensible. West Moberly Chief Roland Willson said the community had struck an agreement with mine owners that they would not go forward with the project until they received the blessing of the nation, due to the possible adverse effects on their culture. West Moberly has worked with the company to identify three other locations outside culturally sensitive areas that would allow the parties to develop mines more sustainably. “But in one fell swoop, Premier Clark destroyed all of our hard work. She has no right dismissing our culture in that way,” the chief said. The community is not anti-development, but it needs to take a breather from development. “We are currently forced to live with approximately six mines, 100,000 kms of pipelines, 60,000 kms of roads, 6,000 cut blocks, 10,000 facilities, 18,000 oil and gas well sites, and two large dams, in addition to another 28 proposed large-scale industrial projects, including eight other mines, BC Hydro’s Site C Dam and Enbridge’s Northern Gateway Pipeline. We’re surrounded!” He said “Developing this mine means the displacement of our people and the loss of our culture. Premier Clark is deliberately sacrificing our families, our children, and our promised way of life all for short-term political gain and to bail out the Liberal Party. Stepping on us to look like a hero is morally reprehensible,” Willson said.