Summit

STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEBRUARY 26, 2021

BC Government Decision to proceed with completion of Site-C Dam project a major disappointment

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilw ətaʔɬ/selílwitulh (Tsleil‐ Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) – First Nations Summit (FNS) leaders are disappointed in today’s announcement by Premier to approve continuation of BC Hydro’s Site‐C Dam project on the , approximately seven kilometers west of Fort St. John in northeastern BC. The dam will result in the flooding and destruction of 5,550 hectares of land within the traditional territory of First Nations. The construction of the Site‐C has had and will continue to have significant negative impacts on the ability of Treaty 8 First Nations to exercise their constitutionally protected Treaty rights to harvest and to engage in various traditional activities on the land surrounding the reservoir. The FNS is very disappointed with the BC government’s decision to proceed with completion of the Site‐C Dam project. Despite the decision to continue, the latest geotechnical reports indicate the potential for even higher construction costs, numerous studies have questioned the economic viability of the project upon its completion, and there remains a huge negative impact on First Nations in the area. The Premier insists this project is in the best interests of all British Columbians. It is difficult for First Nations to reconcile that assertion with the continued trampling of their Aboriginal title and rights. The FNS has consistently maintained the necessary consultation standard for any development project in BC, especially those with such a high potential for negative impacts, such as Site‐C, must be to seek the free, prior and informed consent of each and every First Nation whose Aboriginal title and rights will be impacted. The decision to proceed with this massive project undercuts the rights of those First Nations that are directly impacted, is in clear conflict with the provincial government’s commitment to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples through the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) which was passed into law in November of 2019. BC must get past hollow words on paper and move towards honouring and upholding their obligations under DRIPA. The Site‐C Dam project is a major tarnish on this commitment. First Nations will be watching and be ready to challenge the government on any lapses on their obligations going forward. ‐30‐

The First Nations Summit speaks on behalf of First Nations involved in treaty negotiations in . The Summit is also an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Further background information on the Summit may be found at www.fns.bc.ca.

For further information: Colin Braker, Communications Director, FNS, Phone: 604‐328‐4094