Lax Kw’alaams is claiming Aboriginal title of Lelu Island and Flora Bank

Lax Kw’alaams is claiming Aboriginal title of Lelu Island and Flora Bank, the sites of a planned $11.4 billion terminal to export liquefied natural gas. Lax Kw’alaams believes Aboriginal title, if proven in court, will save the territory, providing them a veto over development. Flora Bank is habitat for juvenile salmon in the Skeena River estuary. “We want to protect crucial salmon habitat, protect our food security and ensure that governments and industry are obligated to seek our consent,” said a spokesperson for the Lax Kw’alaams. “If we obtain title, we will own Lelu Island and Flora Bank.” The legal action was expected to proceed in late September. In May, Lax Kw’alaams rejected a $1-billion offer over 40 years made by Pacific NorthWest LNG to allow the project to go forward.