RE: RE: RE: NTL Update
https://www.opinion250.com/blog/view/19942/3/nw+transmission+line+hits+snag
NW Transmission Line Hits Snag
By 250 News
Tuesday, April 12, 2011 11:57 AM
Kitwanga, B.C. – It appears that not everyone is a fan of the Northwest Transmission Line.
The Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs say negotiations with BC Hydro regarding the project have stalled.
The Gitanyow estimate that 47% of the proposed 344 kilometre line route will pass through its traditional territory in the Kitwanga area of northwest B.C. The First Nation says it stands to lose up to 550 hectares of land and future generations will face devastating consequences as a result of impacts on wildlife, plants, and village sites.
Malii, also known as Glen Williams with the Gitanyow, says over 90 percent of the people still depend on resources from the land. He accuses Hydro of ignoring that fact.
“BC Hydro believes that they can completely disregard our way of life and bulldoze over Gitanyow rights as was done in the 1920’s when our grandfathers were imprisoned for protecting our land. This cannot and will not be tolerated.”
Williams wants to make it clear that the Gitanyow are not opposed the Northwest Transmission Line, but they want to make sure that their interests, including food source requirements, are taken care of.He says as long as food security and the cumulative impacts of the project are not taken into account, BC Hydro will have to find another route around Gitanyow traditional territory.
The First Nation is requesting a meeting with Rich Coleman, the minister responsible for BC Hydro and Premier Christy Clark to find a way to work out an agreement. The NTL still requires Federal approval.
BC Hydro has been contacted but has yet to make a statement on the state of negotiations with the Gitanyow.