Gitga’at Nation
Gitga’at, First Nation of Canada and Other Conversion Organization Fought Against Oil Company, Enbridge and LNG Industry
In 2006, an energy company Enbridge planned to transport oil on supertankers through Kitimat. The original first nation of Kitimat Canada, Gitga’at Nation and other first nation and also some supporter, such as Cetacea Lab support to fight against energy company and take the case to the court. After 10 years battle between the supporter and Enbridge, in 2016 Gitga’at has successfully won the court against this big company Enbridge. But there is a new energy company involve in the Northwest coast tanker route to let their tankers go through the coast to Asia market.
New Challenge
On October 1. 2018. liquefied natural gas Canada, also is called LNG Canada announces the start of construction on new LNG exporting plant in Kitimat. This project is the largest private investment in Canadian history. Gitga’at tried to stop LNG industry and government to agree on this investment, because Gitga’at Nation will not trust them. It also will affect humpback whale and killer whale in Fin Island, Kitimat which whale live here a long time. The tanker, boat and ship will affect the sonar of the whales. As LNG industry company and the government said “It is a clean energy and it is good for everybody.”
As the Gitga’at councillor, Cameron Hill said “You’ve heard one of speakers refer to dead land, dead water. We don’t want that. The Enbridge pipeline and the tanker traffic that inevitably come with it. That’s what’s goanna damage our territory.” LNG is doing the same as Enbridge, but they have learned the mistake from Enbridge. No one can find mistake for this time. But the thing they are doing is still damaging Gitga’at’s territory.
Just like the cofounder of Cetacea Lab, lead researcher BC whales, Janie Wray said “What if they have hit the whale, it will affect the whale, damage the whale and let them leave the Fin Island which is their home.”
Gitga’at Nation, Cetacea Lab and other first nation and organization still fight against LNG industry to let them leave Kitimat and protect Kitimat and Northwest coast of Canada.
About Gitga’at Nation
Gitga’at Nation is one of the first nations of Canada who have lived in Kitimat about 10,000 years. Gitga’at was the victim of the colonization. As a first nation of Canada, they have right to protect their home where they have lived about 10,000 years. They will set guardians to stop hunter to hunt in their area.
Also, they have a connection with the whales which live in Kitimat. Gitga’at Nation allow animals lover especially whales researcher to collect data of whale. How they live and identified them. And researchers will provide the information and data to Gitga’at Nation to fight against energy company.
Contact Information:
Gitga’at Guardian
Nicole Robinson
Phone:2508791494
E-mail: 18624447498@163.com