Haida Gwaii Speaks to the Enbridge Joint Review Panel a Resounding Voice \ [

JOURNAL of the COUNCIL of the HAIDA NATION • DECEMBER 2013 A RESOUNDING VOICE HAIDA GWAII SPEAKS TO THE ENBRIDGE JOINT REVIEW PANEL A RESOUNDING VOICE \ [

Haida Gwaii speaks to the Enbridge Joint Review Panel HAIDA LAAS JOURNAL of the COUNCIL of the HAIDA NATION

Thank you to artist, David Jones, for the use of this image on the cover of this issue, and for the trout head design that we have used as a printers’ flower in the publication. The artwork was displayed at the hearings in Old Massett and is featured in many photographs of the event. – – –

Published by the Council of the Haida Nation, 2013 All stories by Valine Crist. [ December 2013 ] Testimony excerpts selected by Valine Crist and Graham Richard. Production team: Simon Davies, Amanda Reid-Stevens, Valine Crist, Graham Richard, Patrick Shannon, Mare Levesque.

All photos Haida Laas unless otherwise credited.

I CONTENTS

ALL TOGETHER [ This Is The Picture – 1

The Enbridge proposal has had the full attention of the Haida The Panel: In Consideration Of All – 4 Nation since 2006 when the first murmurings of this project surfaced. Since then we have put many resources into stopping the pipeline. Our engagement in the Joint Review Panel process was What More Do You Want? – 5 but one path in this process. The Haida nation will do everything it can to protect these Islands – it is our responsibility and we 500 Ways To Say ‘No’ – 7 have been doing it for millennia. What is heartening about this latest stance, is that like Islands 500 More Ways To Say ‘No’ – 9 Spirit Rising (2004-05), we are not alone. We are joined again by our neighbours living here and by those living away. Throughout the Joint Review Panel hearings we heard over and over about the The Testimony – 11 relationships our neighbours have with this place and the pur- Old Massett February 28 12 pose and intent by which they go about their lives here. Old Massett February 29 15 The hearings are over – our nation has made its position clear, Skidegate March 21 21 as have the Islands people. The next step is for the Joint Review Skidegate March 22 24 Panel to make a recommendation and the federal government to Old Massett June 1 30 make a decision. We don’t expect the outcome of that process to Old Massett June 2 37 be a surprise – the federal government has been pushing hard for this project from day one. What has come as a surprise is the Skidegate June 13 46 recent arrests of the Elsipogtog people and their neighbours in Skidegate June 14 52 New Brunswick. It is clear from the way their situation is being handled that the full force of the state may also come down on The Final Argument – 62 all those who oppose the ENG pipeline. We must be prepared for any eventuality, and we will be. There is comfort in the knowl- Art & Politics: It’s A Natural Fit – 65 edge that we are not alone and that we have many friends across Canada and around the world standing with us. Standing Up For Haida Gwaii – 68

kil tlaats’gaa, Peter Lantin President of the Haida Nation

II III Sign posted in Old Massett. THIS IS THE PICTURE

The Enbridge Northern Gateway (ENG) project proposes to build two pipelines from central Alberta to Kitimat – one would carry condensate east to Bruderheim, AB and the other would transport 525,000 barrels of unrefined bitumen to Kitimat on BC’s coast, every day, bound for markets in the US and Asia.

The proposed $5.5 billion pipeline project would result in in- weak social policies and no financial incentives, overall pollu- creased tar sands production – a global consideration in terms tion rates are on the rise. Between 1999-2009, GHG emissions of climate change. Given the oil industry’s recent history, the doubled in the tar sands and are expected to double again by pipeline route has raised significant concern over potential 2020. Conventional mining techniques extract oil from open- leaks and ruptures, especially in remote and inaccessible ar- pit mines close to the earth’s surface, but, increasingly, in situ eas. Exporting crude oil via massive tanker ships has also been extraction methods are being implemented to access oil from widely opposed on BC’s North Coast for decades, and that op- deeper under ground. This newer technique is criticized for position is standing strong against this proposal. Enbridge Inc. being much more intrusive and the transition to in situ ex- and the federal government have vehemently supported the traction will further amplify tar sands GHG emissions. project, but First Nations whose territories the pipeline and The proposed Northern Gateway project would facilitate tankers would put in jeopardy state it is an infringement on expansion of the oil sands by approximately 30%. Meanwhile, their aboriginal title and rights. Canada as a whole needs to see a tenfold increase in efforts to reduce GHG emissions in order to offset the growing tar sands emissions. Reducing GHG worldwide is necessary to curtail CLIMATE CHANGE environmental catastrophes caused by climate change, and, As one of the world’s top 30 emitters of greenhouse gases as it stands, development of the tar sands is one of the most (GHG), Alberta has become the focus of attention for its high destructive industries in the world. pollution rates. Some critics have argued that the tar sands are preventing the country from meeting necessary climate TAR SANDS targets. Alberta’s oil industry is the fastest growing source of It is important to consider where this pipeline proposal begins GHG pollution in Canada – the province contributes one-third because the tar sands present a host of social, environmental, of the country’s total GHG emissions. and ethical issues about how industries do business and how With alarming emission rates and a lack of commitment resource development impacts people. The ENG would origi- to reduce them, the tar sands are a significant contributor to nate in the tar sands, which is home to a crude-oil industry global climate change. This is a serious national issue with that has garnered some serious environmental concerns and broad implications. At a time when climate change requires criticisms. urgent attention, Canada continues to support fossil fuel con- Alberta is home to one of the largest known sources of bi- sumption by increasing production at the tar sands. tumen – the heaviest and densest of any petroleum product. Government, industry, and the public have discussed the Extracting bitumen is expensive (approximately $90 per bar- best methods for reducing emissions from the tar sands, but rel) and requires brute force, but the hydrocarbon does offer to date there are no federal GHG regulations, limits imposed incentives for some. The Canadian government grants the on industry, or major incentives to reduce emissions. With oil industry substantial subsidies – such as low royalties and

IV 1 Tar Sands the pipeline every day, and this transporting of condensate is an Turning tar into oil important concern. Condensate – a hazardous and highly explosive toxin – is the Fort McMurray preferred diluent for bitumen, which in its natural state is very dense. When mixed together, the substance is commonly referred to as “DilBit”. DilBit is considered more dangerous to transport than conventional oil because the corrosive condensate increas- es the likelihood of leaks, and the higher temperatures required to pump bitumen increases stress on the pipelines. Dawson Creek Grande Prairie Excavation, drainage ditching, disposing of materials, and testing pipes throughout the construction phase would cause Smithers damage to local ecologies. Runoff, discharge, changing tempera- Prince Rupert Terrace Fort St. James Bruderheim tures, and sedimentation that could smother spawning habitats Edmonton are just some of the potential impacts of pipeline construction. Kitimat Prince George Timing construction with nature’s cycles could help reduce dam- Haida age, but local habitats and communities would still be impacted

Gwaii by pipeline construction. = 160 litres one barrel Once laid, the proposed pipeline would cross and run parallel water waste oil to more than 1,000 streams and rivers, including the Upper Fra- (1920 litres) (640 litres) (160 litres) ser, the Skeena, and Kitimat watersheds. Proposed Tanker Routes Calgary Between 1999-2010, Enbridge Inc. recorded over 800 oil spills It takes 12 barrels of water to make one barrel of oil, and the process from the company’s pipeline operations that leaked nearly 20 required to do so produces four barrels of toxic waste. million litres of hydrocarbons into the environment. One En- bridge pipeline rupture dumped an estimated three million litres region. In the event of an oil spill, there are no effective cleanup of oil into the Kalamazoo River in Michigan on July 25, 2010. A techniques, and the impacts can last for decades. later report by the US Environmental Protection Agency identi- Supertankers making this voyage would carry foreign ballast fied several of Enbridge’s failings that likely caused or exacer- water with them. Ballast water – ballast is any substance brought Vancouver bated the impacts of this spill. As seen in the Kalamazoo River, aboard a vessel to regulate its stability, with the preferred option bitumen sinks because it is heavy, and so it eventually gathers often being ocean water – is a major consideration with regard Victoria on shorelines and riverbeds, slowly releasing toxins over a long to any vessels traveling from foreign waters. Introducing foreign period of time. waters inevitably means foreign species, ranging from bacteria The ENG project also proposes to cross steep, rugged terrain, to mollusks, that can wreak havoc by disrupting or destroying including the Rockies. Avalanches and landslides are significant The proposed-pipeline map showing the route from Bruderheim, Alberta to the Kitimat sea port, and routes around Haida Gwaii. natural ecosystems. risks in such environments and increase the potential for a cata- Through either a potential oil spill or the introduction of for- strophic pipeline rupture. taxes – which allows government, oil companies, and investors Nations people living on their ancestral lands are now finding eign species through ballast water, the proposed project would to prosper. their local foods are contaminated by tar sands operations. jeopardize the annual $1.2 billion fisheries and tourism indus- Compared to conventional oil, processing bitumen requires Fort Chipewyan, a small First Nation community in northern TANKERS tries on BC’s coast. Tens of thousands of jobs throughout the re- gion are directly and indirectly dependent on the natural ecosys- enormous amounts of natural resources, such as water and natu- Alberta, situated downstream from the tar sands, is one of sev- There are some 500 ships currently plying the North Coast wa- tem. One study in 2006 estimated that salmon from the Skeena ral gas. Every year, Canada uses a quarter of the country’s natural eral communities reporting deformed animals in the region and ters, docking in Stewart, Kitimat, and Prince Rupert each year. watershed contributed $110 million to the local economy. gas supply extracting bitumen. Further, tar sands production was alarming cancer rates within their community. The proposed project would substantially increase tanker traffic Enbridge’s proposal, first put forward in 2006, has met several estimated to have contributed more than the total of Canada’s “The oil business is putting my community in jeopardy … I am and introduce Very Large Crude Carriers (commonly called “su- delays and growing opposition because of its local, regional, and vehicle pollution in terms of GHG emissions last year. very concerned for my relatives in Fort Chipewyan,” described pertankers”) to the coast. Supertankers are over three football- international implications. It has become highly political and is Removing some 370 million cubic metres of water from the Vanessa Whiteknife back in 2011. “I feel it isn’t a safe place to fields in length and carry eight times the amount of oil that was proving to be one of the most contentious issues today. It has Athabasca River each year, this industry is the biggest consumer live, especially if you are eating traditional foods and using the spilled in the Exxon Valdez disaster in 1989. come to highlight Canada’s need for a comprehensive energy of Alberta’s groundwater. Bitumen is made up of water, sand, and river. I was raised on moose, fish, and duck and was able to jump The ENG would require approximately 225 supertankers strategy, and it exemplifies the global consequences of tar sands clay, and water is required to separate the different components off the dock and swim in the lake – now it has all changed, I know to navigate the narrow Douglas Channel (some areas less than production. during processing. Although there are techniques to reduce wa- there are toxins in the water and in the fish and animals.” 1.5 km wide), cross the Hecate Strait, and pass through either ter consumption, they will not be successfully implemented until the Queen Charlotte Sound or Dixon Entrance. Hurricane-force A report carried out by the Canadian government in 2011 about 2030. In addition to the large volume of water, the waste PIPELINES winds and high seas are common in these waters, and Hecate predicted that climate change could cost the country produced through the tar sands is another real concern. Because bitumen is a thick, tar-like substance in its raw form, it Strait is cited as the fourth most dangerous body of water in the some $5 billion by 2020. The team of researchers who Tailings ponds and contaminated waters have immense ef- would have to be diluted to flow through the proposed 1,200 ki- world. completed the report agreed that the longer climate fects on communities down river, resulting in severe health im- lometres of pipeline from Bruderheim to Kitimat. Approximately In these conditions, supertankers pose a very real threat of change is ignored, the more costly it will be. pacts on the natural environment and nearby communities. First 193,000 barrels of condensate would be transported east through a catastrophic oil spill that could affect the entire North Coast

2 3 THE PANEL: IN CONSIDERATION FOR ALL WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT?

Because the Enbridge Northern Gateway The ENG pipeline proposal is one of many economically- (ENG) project proposes a pipeline from Alberta motivated development projects proposed for unceded, ab- to British Columbia’s coast, crossing a provin- original territories. As a clear infringement of aboriginal title cial boundary subjects the proposal to a federal and rights, it has become a forefront issue in many First Na- Over 9,500 people wrote letters to the rather than provincial environmental assess- tions’ communities along the proposed pipeline and tanker panel, which “were posted on the ment (EA). The Canadian Environmental Assess- route. Several key court cases, including Haida Nation v. British public registry. ment Act (CEAA) oversees two different types Columbia [2004] and Taku River Tlingit First Nation v. British Co- lumbia [2004], have ruled that the Crown has a duty to consult of federal EAs: environmental assessment by a Of these, 96% spoke out against the responsible authority or by a review panel. The and accommodate aboriginal peoples regarding activities that proposed Northern Gateway pipeline. proposed ENG fell under a Joint Review Panel infringe on title and rights within their ancestral territories. (JRP) in 2010, but, notably, the CEAA and EA pro- This proposed pipeline would cross some 50 First Nations’ ter- cess were gutted as part of the 2012-2013 Budget ritories. 1,161 individuals presented oral The ENG has been very polarizing and discussions are of- Bill. ten limited to ‘the economy’ vs. ‘the environment’. Govern- statements to the panel, diligently Because the ENG was already under review ment and industry have repeated their steadfast support for navigating the complex and when the Bill passed, the process itself didn’t the proposed pipeline and tout the potential economic bene- changing JRP process. change, but the Conservative government si- fits. Meanwhile, opponents maintain the environmental risks multaneously passed legislation that revoked far outweigh the benefits. final authority from the JRP. These changes now The Joint Review Panel listens to testimony in Old Massett. (l-r) Hans Matthews, First Nations have taken a powerful position against this Only two of those presenters spoke in grant the federal cabinet the ability to reject a Chairperson Sheila Leggett, and Kenneth Bateman. proposal, and additional opposition has grown considerably. favour of the proposal. Municipalities, community leaders, political parties, celebri- review panel’s recommendation. ties, and environmental organizations, as well as industry According to the CEAA, environmental assessments identify to concerns about the Crown’s responsibility to consult and ac- representatives and religious groups, are forming an alliance the potential adverse environmental effects of a proposed de- commodate aboriginal peoples and raised questions of whether to resist the ENG. What is at jeopardy, further to aboriginal velopment project and outline mitigation strategies for those that obligation had been reassigned to the panel or the propo- rights, is as varied as the people opposing the proposal: qual- potential environmental impacts. The JRP is a quasi-judicial nent (Enbridge). ity of life, cultural traditions, democratic principles, regional economies, and human rights. ” tribunal mandated by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Lastly, federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal organiza- Agency (CEAA) and the National Energy Board (NEB). tions were allowed to register as government participants. No- November 2010, Coastal First Nations Declaration • Supported by signatories of the Coastal First Na- Each of the three panel members was selected from the NEB. tably, band councils, tribal councils, and treaty groups were not April 2010, Village of Queen Charlotte Opposes Northern Gateway • Taking a lead amongst municipalities, the Village of tions, this declaration states that traditional laws With experience on regulatory panels, the chair, Sheila Leggett, recognized within this definition. This both literally and symbol- and customs require First Nations to protect their has a background in biology and has worked as an environmental ically illustrates the narrow approach of the EA process, which Queen Charlotte was the first to pass a resolution op- posing the expansion of bulk crude oil tankers in the lands and waters for future generations. consultant. Kenneth Bateman is an energy lawyer with experi- fails to recognize aboriginal title. Dixon Entrance, Hecate Strait, and Queen Charlotte ence in a number of pipeline hearings, and the third member, Hearings were held in about 20 communities along the pro- Sound. This resolution commits the municipal coun- December 2010, Save the Fraser Declaration Hans Matthews, is a geologist who has worked to promote min- posed pipeline and tanker routes, including: Kitamaat Village, cil to petition the federal government to legislate a • Fifty First Nations sign this declaration to protect ing development within First Nations communities in Ontario. Terrace, Smithers, Prince George, Skidegate and Old Massett, tanker ban on crude oil passing through these waters. the Fraser watershed from development that vio- There were three ways to participate in the EA. First, mem- among several others. Final hearings were held in Edmonton, lates traditional laws, values, and rights of aborigi- nal peoples. The declaration states, “We will not bers of the public were encouraged to make a 10-minute oral Prince George, and Prince Rupert between October and Decem- July 2010, Unist’ot’en Camp allow the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway statement. Oral statements allowed anyone who registered the ber, 2012. This phase of the review was a technical exercise and • A camp is set up in the pathway of the proposed Pacif- Pipeline, or similar tar sands projects, to cross our opportunity to tell the panel their views and concerns about the the registered parties cross-examined evidence, generally under ic Trails Pipeline, in the territory of the Wet’suwet’en, approximately 70 kilometres south of Houston, BC. lands, territories, and watersheds, or the ocean mi- proposed pipeline and tanker routes. the guidance of legal counsel. Additional oral statement hearings gration routes of Fraser River salmon.” Second, individuals or organizations could register as inter- took place in Kelowna, Vancouver, and Victoria in early 2013. The resistance community creates a physical presence in a stand along the Morice River to protect their tra- venors. Intervenors were official parties within the review pro- Ms Leggett, Mr Matthews, and Mr Bateman – the panel – will ditional territory from the threat of pipelines. May 2011, Rally for an Oil-Free Coast, Prince Rupert cess and had the ability to submit information requests, cross-ex- make their recommendation after considering all of the infor- • Approximately 500 people rally to protest the amine evidence, and call witnesses to present oral evidence. Oral mation and evidence submitted throughout the review. The rec- October 2010, UBCM Resolutions Opposing the Proposal North Central Local Government Association’s an- evidence is defined as information that could not be presented ommendation is due by the end of 2013, but, again, with recent • Delegates vote on two resolutions that resoundingly nual convention because Enbridge was a platinum in writing; it includes knowledge and experiences about how the changes to the CEAA, the federal cabinet has final authority to oppose the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway sponsor. proposed project would affect individuals and their communi- approve pipeline projects and ultimately reject the Joint Review Pipeline and an increase in oil tanker traffic through May 2011, Calgary Statement of Solidarity ties, and how those impacts could be reduced or mitigated. There Panel’s decision. the North Coast, at the annual convention of the Union • Recognizing aboriginal laws in traditional territo- was a particular emphasis on “Traditional Aboriginal Knowl- of British Columbia Municipalities, in Whistler, BC. edge” through the oral evidence phase of these hearings. This led

4 5 ries, the eight signatories from Alberta “stand in solidar- ity with the Coastal First Nations, and the Nations who July 2012, City of Nelson Opposes Enbridge Northern Gateway have signed the Save the Fraser Declaration, and are • Located in south central BC, the City of Nelson passes united in stating that the Enbridge Northern Gateway a resolution opposing the Enbridge Northern Gate- Pipeline and tanker project, as well as other fossil fuel way proposal, based on the significant risk of pipe- development projects including Keystone XL, must not line and oil tanker spills. proceed without obtaining the free, prior and informed consent of all affected First Nations.” September 2012, No Tankers Ball, Duncan January 2012, Village of Port Clements Opposes Enbridge • This music festival helps to raise awareness about the • Identifying potential environmental impacts, the vil- Northern Gateway in communities on Vancouver Is- lage council votes in favour of renewing its earlier 2010 land and states that the proposal does not only con- motion officially opposing the transport of crude oil by cern British Columbia, but Canada as a whole. pipeline and tankers off the coast of Haida Gwaii. September 2012, UBCM Resolution Opposing Expansion of Oil Tanker Traffic February 2012, Gitga’at Rally, Prince Rupert • Delegates attend their annual meeting in Victoria • The Gitga’at nation of Hartley Bay hosts this day of ac- and vote to reject the expansion of oil tanker traf- tion, which attracts hundreds of people who fill the town fic through British Columbia waters. The resolution with visible opposition to the ENG, in a protest that dem- passed with 51%. This was the first resolution to ad- onstrates the entire North Coast is unified in opposition dress all tanker traffic throughout British Columbia; to the proposed project. it was not specific to the Northern Gateway proposal (whereas the 2010 resolution was). February 2012, Village of Masset Renews Opposition to Oil Tankers Around Haida Gwaii October 2012, Defend Our Coast, Victoria • The Municipality of Masset first passed a resolution in • In one of the largest rallies in Canada to date, Green- 2010 opposing pipelines throughout BC and banning oil peace, Leadnow, and 350.org help to organize 3,000 tankers from passing through Haida Gwaii waters. The citizens for a peaceful demonstration at the provin- village council votes to renew that resolution in 2012. cial legislature to protest the ongoing expansion of the oil sands and increased crude oil export through Women held in high esteem were seated prominently to respect their standing. From front: Leona Clow, Annie Davidson, February 2012, Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District Opposes the West Coast, focusing specifically on the proposed Enbridge Proposal Roberta Olson, LaVerne Davies. • Representing four electoral areas and five municipalities Northern Gateway and Kinder Morgan pipelines. (20,000 residents along BC’s north coast), the regional district passes a resolution opposing the Enbridge North- ern Gateway proposal and any increase of crude-oil tank- er traffic in northern waters. 500 WAYS

March 2012, No-Tankers Rally, Vancouver • This noon-hour event at the Vancouver Art Gallery com- TO SAY ‘NO’ memorates the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster. Members of The one best thing about [the the public join together to demonstrate that the federal The Hearings in Old Massett government cannot silence opposition to the proposed proposal] is it’s going“ to unite the whole increase of pipelines through Western Canada. First Nations of BC and everybody else that respects the environment and tries Tuesday, February 28 & Wednesday, February 29, 2012 – Oral Evidence Hearings May 2012, Freedom Train 2012, Canada-wide to live a better life. [It’s] going to Friday, June 1 & Saturday, June 2, 2012 – Oral Statement Hearings • Organized by the Yinka Dene Alliance (a coalition of Car- rier and Sekani nations in northern BC), neighbouring unite everybody. First Nations traveled from Vancouver to Toronto, stop- This was not the first time that Haida Gwaii communities panel members and their entourage – the regulatory officer, ping at communities across Canada to raise awareness came together to protect the Islands. We have experience hearing manager, panel manager, security, lawyers, and pro- and demand the ban of crude oil tankers on BC’s coast. In with defending these lands and waters. We’ve participated in cess advisor, among others – according to Haida protocol. The Toronto, the delegation attends the ‘Freedom Train Soli- processes – environmental reviews and inquiries – and we’ve JRP staff members traveled from all over Canada and many darity Concert’ where locals protest and representatives Marni York fought for what is right for the environment and our com- showed enthusiasm for spending time on the West Coast and attend the Enbridge Annual General Meeting. ” munities. Although defending Haida Gwaii was nothing new, visiting Haida Gwaii. there was anxiety and apprehension in the air at the Old Mas- With the hereditary leaders at the head of the room and June 2012, Salt Spring Island Opposes Oil Pipeline Projects • Governed by the Islands Trust, Salt Spring Island repre- sett Community Hall as people started to arrive for the North- ladies held in high esteem seated prominently to respect their sentatives pass a resolution opposing the expansion of oil ern Gateway Joint Review Panel (JRP) hearings on that cold standing, the day started with an opening prayer just after exports from the West Coast and state that Canada must February morning in 2012. 9:00 am, followed by a prayer song by Jusquan (Amanda) Be- develop a national energy strategy and phase out crude The community hall was decorated with local art, clan dard. To officially welcome the JRP and their team to Haida oil exports. banners, and cedar boughs. Islanders welcomed the three territory, Sgaann 7iw7waans, Allan Wilson, addressed the pan-

6 7 The community hall in Old Massett was full of Islanders listening to the testimony of their friends and neighbours. el. “Haida Gwaii is our home. Just saying that – it sounds so pow- Haida witnesses to tell their stories to the panel. Tahayghen’s erful,” he said. “We, the people of the Haida nation and friends of Grade One class presented on behalf of CoASt: “We represent the the nation, have had [to] battle for a number of years. The Haida voices of five- and six-year-old people living on Haida Gwaii […] It people have stood up for what they believe in […] and I’m going is great to be nice to the ocean. I want to protect it.” (Shea Mary- to brag, we’ve always come out the victor […] There are many lyn O’Donnell, Old Massett oral evidence hearings, February 29). [people] here on Haida Gwaii that have chosen it as home. They Following the completion of this first round of evidence, the know the value of it as we do and we’ll stop at nothing to protect panel and its team returned to Old Massett three months later to it. It’s our home.” hear oral statements from the public. In total, 60 Islanders regis- The hearings were open to the public – everyone was wel- tered to speak at this phase of the hearings, and over the course come and local residents enthusiastically accepted the invite and of two days a diverse range of speakers outlined their varied and came out to show their support. The message from the audience legitimate concerns about the proposed project and its inherent and the speakers was resounding: Haida Gwaii will not allow En- risks. They spoke to local values: the health of individual commu- The George Brown Recreation Centre, Skidegate. bridge’s proposed pipeline and supertankers to jeopardize our nity members and the health of the Islands communities, and the local lifeways. importance of local food sources. Islanders also expressed their Twelve Haida citizens addressed the panel on the first day concerns about potential impacts to the well-being of their liveli- of hearings, led by CHN’s legal counsel, Terri-Lynn William-Da- hoods and the global environmental implications of Enbridge’s 500 MORE WAYS vidson of White Raven Law. CHN had called on these witnesses proposal. – elders, elected leaders, local fishermen, working professionals, Around town, people were talking and social media was buzz- and traditional knowledge holders – to present oral evidence. ing with comments. Haida Gwaii spoke with a unified voice – no TO SAY ‘NO’ They spoke to the rich history on Haida Gwaii, local stewardship supertankers! Although many were unsure about the JRP pro- values, and the historical and contemporary reliance on local cess and eventual outcome, Islands’ citizens bound together and food sources. According to Haida protocol, guests were fed at the showed the panel the strength of our diversity and unity. It was The Hearings in Skidegate gathering, which was catered by the Old Massett Culinary Arts not about us and them; the resistance against the Northern Gate- Program. way proposal is about Haida Gwaii. It took courage to speak up, Tuesday, March 21 & Wednesday, March 22, 2012 – Oral Evidence Hearings The second day opened with a special performance orches- but Islanders did so with confidence and conviction. trated for the event by the Tluu Xaadaa Naay Dance Group. Wednesday, June 13 & Thursday, June 14, 2012 – Oral Statements Scattered throughout the community hall, Islanders wore blue scarves with a salmon design. This was a visual representation Islanders pull together to protect the environment and work Recreation Centre to show their support and listen intently. of solidarity and protest organized by communities across the The tycoons expect to put their lavish to create healthy communities. There is a sense of privilege While some opted not to participate in the process, others em- North Coast to demonstrate the widespread opposition to the desires before our life source and culture. and appreciation that comes with living on Haida Gwaii, and braced it and prepared thoughtful and emotional testimonies pipeline proposal. Indeed, it is we who“ live on the coast who that inspires residents to work to safeguard their home. Be- to share with fellow Islanders and the JRP. The first speaker on day two was Dr. Riki Ott, a toxicologist are expected to live with the consequences, cause of this appreciation, our shared values prohibit any The panel and their team of approximately 12 staff were development project that jeopardizes the local quality of life. welcomed back to Haida Gwaii in the early spring (oral evi- and author with extensive personal and professional experi- not those who stand to gain from the ence with the Exxon Valdez disaster. Dr. Ott was invited to pres- The dedicated people who came out to speak to the panel at dence hearings were held in Old Massett at the end of Feb- ent evidence on behalf of CHN, but the panel chair continually project or the politicians who are the JRP hearings in Skidegate voiced a resounding no! to En- ruary). Although many locals expressed reluctance about the interjected stating that it was not the time to present technical prepared to accept the risk.” bridge’s proposal, on behalf of Haida Gwaii. process, the three panel members were respected guests on information, frustrating some community members and raising By the time the panel and its team arrived to hear from Haida Gwaii, and as such, they were hosted graciously. questions about the fairness of the process. southern communities on Haida Gwaii, Islanders were well- The day started just after 9:00 am with a prayer by Gwaa- The on-Island organization Haida Gwaii CoASt (Communities versed in the process. Over the four days of hearings in Skide- Ganad, Diane Brown, followed by a prayer song performed by Against Supertankers) organized a number of Haida and non- Former President” of the Haida Nation, Guujaaw gate, hundreds of Islanders passed through the George Brown Erica Ryan-Gagne. Gaahlaay, Lonnie Young, greeted the panel

8 9 Witnessing the proceedings at the George Brown Recreation Centre, Skidegate. Each day was filled with revelations about our friends’, neighbours’ and acquaintances’ relationships to Haida Gwaii. on behalf of the hereditary leaders, saying, “Chiefs, ladies held hearings. The hall was decorated with clan banners and cedar in high esteem, good people, I’d like to welcome you here today boughs, and the abundance of Islands food was showcased both THE TESTIMONY to witness this presentation with the JRP panel, and especially to days with a catered lunch. welcome the JRP panel to our territory.” Following an additional After these hearings, the panel returned to the Islands nearly \ [ welcome from then Chief Councillor of the Skidegate Band, Rob- three months later to hear oral statements from members of the ert Mills, the full day of testimony began. CHN’s legal counsel public who had registered to participate. Once again, the speak- helped to guide witnesses through the process. ers gathered to share their stories with the panel – they described Thirteen Haidas presented oral evidence to the panel on the depth of history on these Islands. Some spoke about how they the first day. From elders to fishermen and elected representa- first came to Haida Gwaii and explained why they chose to stay. tives, each Haida witness told their story. For some, this story Each person talked about their connection to the land and ocean. was about growing up on Haida Gwaii and learning to harvest Several students from the local high school registered to food and materials from the land, and appreciating those lessons speak to the panel. They presented well-articulated concerns and connections. Other witnesses shared Haida traditions, origin and demonstrated that the sense of pride and responsibility to stories, and described their clan systems that continue to guide care for Haida Gwaii is strong and instilled in our youth. Follow- daily life. Some witnesses talked about their involvement in con- ing the young presenters, the hereditary leaders each made a temporary stewardship initiatives, such as Haida Gwaii’s Land statement to officially close the JRP hearings on Haida Gwaii. For Use Planning and the developing Marine Use Plan. the young and the old, respect and responsible stewardship of Health, responsible stewardship and the traditional values these Islands is a way of life. that guide Islands decision-making were all important values Throughout the hearings there was a mix of emotions rang- shared with the panel. Throughout the day, speakers referenced ing from heavy and consuming to uplifting and inspiring. While CHN’s Ocean and Way of Life map – a visual representation of the some of the speakers were anxious or apprehensive, they por- Haida connection to the land and sea. trayed courage. Some residents were frustrated with the process, On the second day of oral evidence hearings, over 20 Island- but listening to Islanders’ passionate testimonies and seeing ers addressed the panel. Each presenter – including marine ex- everyone come together to speak to the panel was empowering perts, fishermen, and business owners – was called as a witness and reaffirming. The determination to protect these Islands was to present evidence on behalf of intervenors, which included the palpable and the JRP hearings provided a venue to demonstrate Village of Queen Charlotte and Haida Gwaii CoASt. that Haida Gwaii is strong and united. The Village of Queen Charlotte was the only municipality to register as an intervenor, which gave them full participation in the process. The village council’s proactive involvement in the A NOTE ON THE TESTIMONY hearings speaks to the positive relationships that have formed The testimony of each speaker is taken verbatim from on Haida Gwaii. These integral relationships between people and the transcripts of the Joint Review Panel hearings. The place, and the progressive relationships between governments date and location are noted at the top of the page. Haida and decision makers on-Island were reinforced throughout the Laas has combined pieces of each speaker’s testimony, testimonies. for clarity and brevity. We have attempted to keep the The hearings were open to the public, and hundreds of com- intent and context of the testimonies accurate. munity members quietly came and went over the two days of

10 11 Oral Evidence given on behalf of the Council of the Haida Nation and Old Massett Village Council – Old Massett, February 28, 2012 Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson

Old Massett, February 28, 2012 Oral Evidence Hearing

Testimony given on behalf of the Council Guujaaw Margaret Edgars Reg Davidson Oliver Bell Allan Davidson Trevor Russ Leslie Brown of the Haida Nation Our people have been here for Seafood is our basic source of Any fish that’s going south Due to weather, a large barge There are many [ … ] sites that I was taught at a young age It is from [my naaniis and tsiini- and Old Massett a long, long time and it’s not food throughout the whole goes around our island and it’s with 130 tonnes of diesel and I worked on. One of them is Ki- ‘yahgudang’, which in our is] that I learned we treat Haida through any gift of the govern- Island[s]. I have fished and quite scary when you’re deal- 30 tonnes of gasoline was ilgii Gwaay. This site is in the language is respect, and it’s Gwaii like a person, that our is- Village Council ment that we have rights or gathered seafood all my life. ing with a tanker that’s bigger wrecked on the beaches in intertidal zone, and dates back [about] respecting everything, land is a living being. We are not privileges or anything like that. It’s our traditional food that than our village, carrying oil. front of Eagle Creek. I had the 10,700 years. At this site we whether it be what you’re har- here to take it for granted. We It comes from our ancestry, our we go out together and put It’s the way I look at it, it’s like opportunity to work with a found a [...] spruce root basket vesting or just the ocean itself. show our island respect, appre- birthplace here, … away for the winter. Russian roulette. I mean, ev- surveyor to assess the damage handle. We found spikes, simi- When you’re out on the ocean ciation and we are grateful for So the witnesses and myself - - - erybody knows what Russian and what I saw was devastat- lar to that of a tent peg; they [...] you only need to take what everything that it offers us. are here to try to make you under- We have lost much of our food roulette is. If you have a gun ing. were long, probably about a you need to survive or what - -- I was taught at a stand how a culture is born, how it’s and I wouldn’t want to see any with one shell and you spin it - - - foot long, made out of spruce. you need to provide for your We are starting to stand up on young age “yahguudang, developed, and far different than more harm to our foods like and you’re ready to pull the It’s right up in here some- - - - family; you don’t need to take our own to ensure that we have which in our language the aspects of civilization, which is our salmon and urchins. And trigger and nothing happens; where, in there, right up in And again just the feeling any more then. an economy that is sustainable measured by how far people can be the ocean is our livelihood, you spin it, nothing happens. this area. That’s Eagle Creek. there, it’s – it’s hard to explain - - - and ensures our people that we is respect, and it’s removed from the earth. Our cul- which I have a hard time talk- And then you spin it, and you On the rocks, there were no but I’m sure if any other Haida I was very fortunate to be have long-term planning for fu- [about] respecting ture is about how close we can be ing about because it’s been so pull the trigger and the gun barnacles, kelp, seaweed and felt this feeling they’d under- taught by my great-grandpar- ture opportunities. [...] I finally everything, whether to the earth. And that’s where our mismanaged and not treated goes off. That’s what I see hap- under the rocks, there were no stand what I’m saying – to be ents how to preserve all the see the light at the end of a tun- it be what you’re songs come from, our language, our with respect. pening if we have an oil spill. crabs, no life of any kind in the able to stand on the ground different species of shellfish nel for our people where we feel harvesting or just dance, all of our crests and all of the - - - Us, as Haida people, will no tidal pools. In the tidal pools, our ancestors did. and salmon and ground fish more hope, more confidence the ocean itself. material culture is directly from the I wouldn’t want to see the oil longer exist because we de- normally you would find lit- - - - that we have [...] today I’ve and more respect as a nation as earth. tankers come through this pend on the ocean. It would tle bullheads, eels, flounders, There’s another site that I come to an age where I have a whole. And it’s only really in the last 50 island or anywhere near. My kill everything. Our culture snails. The smell of diesel was worked on called Gaduu Din children of my own and I have - - - to 60 years where we’ve seen the parents and my grandparents would die. Everything would very strong and you could see and these are cave sites. These nephews that are coming of With Enbridge asking to come heavy industrial assault on our land also told me that the Hec- die. The only thing that would oil slicks on the surface of the ones are 12,700 calendar years age that can be taught to har- to our waters puts all [our] prog- Trevor Russ with forestry and mining and other ate Straits, the currents are be benefiting is the sharehold- water in every tidal pool. I can old. And at Gaduu Din we found vest for their families and to ress at risk. An oil spill would ” things that were occurring. And we so strong that anything – any ers that belong to Enbridge. imagine what it would be like some cultural layers, we found carry on that knowledge going put our livelihoods at risk. [...] knew as we’ve seen those things boat that capsizes will only do And the people that they’re with crude oil in something some of our cultural remains, forward. every town is on the shoreline. unleashing the lack of respect for damage. We also don’t want to making money for, they don’t like that. stone tools, at these sites. - - - Our front yard is the ocean. This other life, for the salmon bearing have any windmills out there, even know who they’re mak------And the thought of a spill hap- is too much [...] oil tanker traf- streams, for the continuance of fish either, because of what it will ing money for. But we, as the An oil spill would take every- An oil spill can affect all this. pening and taking away every- fic passing through our waters stocks and all the things that we do to our way of life. people, we survive on the thing away from all of us in [...] There’s just too much risk thing that we know and every- when it comes to the employ- held dear to us, that we were into a ocean. This is our life. This is Haida Gwaii. It would be dev- for our lands. We as Haida peo- thing that we have that makes ment and livelihood of Haida whole different world in our life. our culture. This is the way astating to have an oil spill. ple live off of it. When we have us Haida, I don’t think there’s Gwaii as a whole. [...] I would like - - - we lived from the beginning of Every time we look at the wa- an oil spill all the beauty you see anything you can – I can think to ask each member of the panel Our culture could potentially be time and we still do this today. ter, we’re excited about going today will never be returned to of to explain what that feels to walk along the beaches [...] ended by industrialization; our cul- somewhere, catch a fish, dig its natural state. It might not like, to know that that could please walk along the beaches, ture could be put away. So where a clam, pick seaweed or go happen in our lifetime but my happen. and you are walking our path disease and oppression failed, the hunting on the beaches. I can’t cousin here sitting beside me in and you will see what is at risk destruction of our lands [could] imagine looking at the water if the back [with] her little baby, I and you will hear the eagles. You stand to end our culture. there’s nothing there for me. want her to be able to see what would hear the ravens and you’ll I see. be walking our journey. If it’s only for a half hour, I ask you to go along our shorelines. 12 13 Oral Evidence given on behalf of the Council of the Haida Nation and Old Massett Village Council – Old Massett, February 28, 2012 Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson

Old Massett, February 29, 2012 Oral Evidence Hearing

Vanessa Bellis Ron Brown Jr Allan Wilson Russ Jones Robert Davidson Riki Ott Gary Ducommun There is a spiritual relationship So from being a watchman As you heard one of my cous- The principle yahguudang, [...] There are many indignities The first thing we realized The reason that I’m here today between the Haida and the for five years, in that time we ins talk about the storms that which means respect, applies that have been forced upon us [about the Exxon Valdez di- is that in July 16th of last year ocean. It’s a part of who we are. also trained to be full fisheries we have here on Haida Gwaii, to all people but also applies to through Canada’s history and saster] was that the promises the Métis nation of British Co- We have lived off the ocean for guardians; the same training when it’s 90, 100, 110 kilome- other living things. You have to Canada’s laws. Without dwell- that had been made to us, in lumbia, along with a number From my experience generations [...]. We survived, as all DFO (Fisheries Canada) tres per hour, that’s enough be respectful of all living things ing on these indignities, I want the form of contingency plans, of other Aboriginal groups in and we will continue to do so. officers. Because we had 24 to keep the mosquitoes away because they might actually be to name a few, such as reducing [plans] that the federal gov- working“ in the Jasper National Park, had an - - - people here from all over BC, from us. [...] And as you heard a supernatural being or a per- our land base to reserves. [...] ernment and the state had marine environment, opportunity to meet with the My grandfather – my tsiinnii we were the only class out of another of my cousins talk- son. [...] People weren’t on top Taking our children to residen- signed off on, [...] were abso- I have noticed that Haida people who brought the Victor talked about ocean spir- the fishery guardian training ing about the currents around and animals below. In the Haida tial schools, into foreign lands, lutely meaningless. They just everything is tied Two Brothers Pole to Jasper and its when we were children. So that had 100 percent pass- Haida Gwaii, and they won’t world-view animals [can] be also had a great impact on our didn’t work at all. They’ve to the ocean, all the actually gifted it to the people supernatural beings are very ing. They sent three people be very friendly. They’re so higher than people and they culture. It would be like hav- been called the biggest piece birds, the fish, the -- to the Aboriginal people of important to us, and a lot of it from Ottawa here to watch us strong. They’re so powerful. could be supernatural beings. If ing Canadian children taken of marine fiction since Moby Jasper which the Métis Nation is about respect, respecting the in class because they said we The tides come in, we know, you did something disrespect- away to Russia and not having Dick. [...] So with that in mind, bears, the deer. was one of. ocean, respecting our land and were cheating. What they were at some spots at about eight ful there could be serious con- contact with their families for the oil just sort of took off and - - - where we come from. There are trying to teach us in the fish- knots. And in the inlet here, I sequences. [...] We see respect years. [...] People like my par- at some of our bays it was ac- Everything goes to Haida Gwaii is special because other supernatural beings that ery guardian training we al- know it goes up to maybe 12 as a foundation of the ecosys- ents came home like strangers, tually one metre thick com- the ocean and eats there probably is no other people have witnessed. When ready knew as children; being plus. So the tides move rapidly tem-based management, that’s not knowing their families, not ing in – one metre thick – and food off the beach. place that the Panel will meet I was a child, my grandpa Wil- taught to us, everything about and things get carried really either for land use planning or knowing their roles in society, there was no clean-up equip- The risks posed by along its process to gather fred Bennett told a story about the fishing; when, where, how. quick. marine planning. It acknowl- like how to be parents, aunties, ment. Fishermen went out oral evidence that is more de- the proposed tanker fishing out in Naden Harbour We knew all that. We taught - - - edges that the land, sea, air, uncles, mothers, fathers and with buckets and their boats to pendent on the resources of and he said he saw something the DFO trainers more about There are so many things that and all living things, including not knowing our history. They scoop this oil up. Eventually, traffic are too great. the land and the sea and less that had the head of a horse fishing than they knew. we are concerned about here. the human community, are in- believed it was a shameful Exxon brought in mechanical Our waters are pris- dependent on the benefits of and its eyes were as big as a - - - Our people can see it because terconnected and that we have thing to speak Haida. It took clean-up equipment but the tine, and they are the pipeline and the oil tanker dinner plate. And when I was A few years ago, when we were we’ve lived it for so many a responsibility to sustain and many years before my dad boom – it works basically un- unique in the world. traffic. a child and listening to that, it watchmen, there was a spill years, we’re born into it. We restore balance and harmony. was able to speak Haida confi- der two foot seas and that just - - - scared me because in the back down in [Queen] Charlotte. have that power in our hearts […] our ancestors experienced a dently again. [...] But through wasn’t very realistic in Prince This we know, that the earth of your mind, you’re always They had a skimmer unit on and we have people like En- lot of change in their life, from all these indignities we’ve al- William Sound. [...] So the oil does not belong to man. Man wondering if you’re going to wheels here. Martin Williams bridge that think they know all smallpox epidemics, [...] to be- ways had food on the table. It spread about 3,000 km down belongs to the earth. All run into something like that. and myself were watchmen. about everything on this coast, ing put on reserves, and regula- was the food from the land and our coastline, but the most Vanessa Bellis things are connected like the - - - We were asked to hook it on even Transport Canada ap- tions restricting our activities. oceans that helped us survive toxic oil was buried on the ” blood that unites us all. Man From my experience working the back of our truck to tow it proving their route the other But an oil spill is going to have the many onslaughts on our beaches of [the Sound] by a big did not weave the web of life, in the marine environment, I down. It was so rusty, it took us day; they don’t even know. [...] a permanent long-term effect way of life. We’ve always main- storm. If you only dig about he is merely a strand in it, and have noticed that everything is a while to get it moving. It took You see, we’ve come up against on the environment around tained our connection to the this far -- I’ve taken students what man does to the web, he tied to the ocean, all the birds, us a while to get the spool go- a wall there and with these Haida Gwaii. I think it would land, waters and oceans, and out to the beaches, and we dug, does to himself. the fish, the bears, the deer. Ev- ing to get the boom out. It had – this oil line coming from Al- be a different kind of effect on [they have] helped us and nur- and you pour a bucket of sea- erything goes to the ocean and never been used. It was never berta to Kitimat, with the tank- people but similar in a lot of tured our bodies and spiritual- water in, there’s so much oil in eats food off the beach. The under cover properly, and to ers coming in as was said, what ways to the smallpox, because ity in our art. But our culture the beaches that it flows down risks posed by the proposed this day, my argument is that is it, over two, three football it would affect the way that we cannot sustain another blow into the pit and you can stick tanker traffic are too great. Our will never suffice because fields long; that’s incredible, live, as well as our relationship to the oceans and the food that you hand in and your hand will waters are pristine, and they when it was even a two-foot huge. And they’re saying they with the natural environment has nourished us for millennia. come up black from the oil. are unique in the world. chop that boom is useless. will have one accident in 1,500 around Haida Gwaii. years – give me a break. 14 15 Oral Evidence Hearing – Old Massett, February 29, 2012 Oral Evidence Hearing – Old Massett, February 29, 2012 Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson

John Disney Jaalen Edenshaw Kiefer Collison Donnie Edenshaw Barney Edgars Representing 5- and Phred Collins Margo Hearne Haida Gwaii has been exposed Tsiinnii Steven, one of [our] el- We want to be respected and We can live without money, [Elders] taught me how to 6-year old people The culture that exists here Baikal Teal are one of the rar- to this situation before. We had ders, one of my teachers, he said our opinions to be heard. We like people have said before. gather food, but more impor- Shea Marylyn O’Donnell in Haida Gwaii is a lot differ- est birds in the western hemi- the federal government and in- he was on the east coast and are a fighting nation, we will But if you were living here you tantly, they taught me how to We represent the voices of five- ent than the culture you’ll get sphere and they nest only on dustry telling us that it was in they were in the fog and they never give up. Our Elders, we would know how to survive live properly, with respect, re- and six-year old people liv- down in Vancouver, Toronto, Lake Baikal in Russia for in- the best interest of Canada to were in the skiff rowing back to will never give up, they have in the same way. If we take all spect for not just me, not just ing on Haida Gwaii. I go to the or Calgary. So that’s one of stance. On May the 2nd, 1996 reallocate the fish resources at their main boat – I don’t know never given up. The generation your money, you don’t know you, but everybody around beach with my family. We like my worries, is that I see that one walked across Little Spit our doorstep to big business. [...] what they were doing, exactly – that I am right now will never how to survive. here that comes to these is- to make sand castles, I want to the values that are derived Point in Sandspit, with five Pin- Fish had been the foundation and he was rowing and he could give up. We are the future lead- - - - lands. play in the sand forever. I want from healthy ecosystems are tails, on a falling tide. So you of the Haida culture for thou- feel his oars rubbing something. ers of the Haida Nation. Hlaauu The bottom line is we need this - - - the sand to stay clean. the values that I like to try to get all sorts of birds coming sands of years, which naturally And his brother was in the bow Tlan Kaadlljawasaang. I am go- place and unless you lived here When I was a young man, I was subscribe to, and when I see a from all over the place. Some morphed into the largest econo- of the boat and he was talking ing to be the leader. I don’t think you’ll ever have told that if an 80-year-old man Gus Seifert dominant culture that doesn’t of the [bird] bands that I read my on the islands until recently. Haida. And you know, tsiinnii - - - any idea of what it’s like. Even comes up and tells you some- I like to go to the beach with subscribe to those values try- were red with white lettering, Their reasoning was that the Steven didn’t want to say any- We’ve been talking about a if you lived here for a little thing and you don’t listen, my mom. We look for agates ing to place another type of and they go to Wrangel Island fish had more value if given to thing until he got back, then he major spill and how that would while you’d figure it out, but a it’s going to take you 80 years and rocks. I am excited on the way [ … ] on top of something in Siberia. Many of the others big business. The result was, it asked what he was talking to. It devastate this island but even quick visit isn’t going to make of your life to figure out that beach. I want to protect the that I hold sacred, it’s hard. go along the north coast up to put us all out of work, drove sev- was killer whales coming up on if there is a little spill, a little you realize what we feel. If an guy is right. I’d like to thank beach so I can always play on - - - Cover Bay Delta and across to eral of our Island’s communities either side of the boat. oil in the bilge water, some- accident happened everything Sgaan 7iw7waans for teaching it. I worry about this process be- the Canadian north where they below the poverty line, and the - - - thing happened and one of the we learned and were taught is me that when I was younger, cause I’m not entirely certain divide from there and go down value they quoted earlier went And he told me another story, an containers of the ship opens useless. and his father taught me a lot Lotta Koenig that this process even accepts the east side of the world, and into the coffers of big business, old story where a man was lost up but even a little tiny spill of things. And just to let you When I go to the beach I like to some of the ideals that I’m try- the others come down the west. and out of our communities. [...] in the fog and started calling would affect these areas. know, I still remember that play in the water. I like to have ing to express, like empathy [...] based on my experience, This project will be the same. out to the whales and they came - - - stuff. a fire and sleep there with my for nature, spiritual connec- running huge tankers through Enbridge and the associated oil and – same thing. They came on If we cannot eat from the sea - - family. The beach is my play- tion to nature, dependence the waters of the west coast of companies will gain value. How- either side and guided him back it would be a huge economic But it’s stuff like that [...] all ground and I want to keep it upon nature. I feel that these Canada poses an unacceptable ever, the Canadian community to shore. blow to my family. More than our Elders had a way of teach- safe. things are paramount. My kids risk to practically every single will not. - - - that, it would sever a con- ing us that is far different than all know this and my friends migratory bird on the Pacific - - - So it’s this relationship that we nection that we’ve had, that any of your schooling. The way flyway, from Chile to Alaska, Nyssa Williams know this, and I think most We got a contract to go clean up have to respect and keep, and goes back to the first Haida’s. we were brought up and taught including Pink-footed Shear- I like to ride my boat and catch people around here know this. a tributary to a little river here if we allow oil tankers to come Our culture is passed on from is entirely different than the waters, one of the listed species fish. I want to protect the - - - called the Maaman River be- through we’ll lose [the trust of generation to generation. If way you’re brought up and under COSEWIC which feed in ocean so I can always catch So again, this, to me, seems like cause the salmon weren’t com- the whales]. We can’t allow that. my kids don’t get out there to taught and the way these En- the waters off Hecate Strait in fish. some kind of “downpression”. ing back to it. In 1959 there was - - - learn how to do it they won’t bridge guys are brought up Like we’re being subjugated by summer. a diesel spill in that river. And Our culture comes from our be able to teach it to their kids. and taught, so there’s a big gap this – this cultural will of this - - - so in 2009 we got this contract land and our sea. If this project we need to close up on. big entity of oil. And I don’t In my opinion I believe the – that’s 60 years I think – we happened we would lose that know what will happen if this Northern Gateway Project is turned over mud and diesel was connection of food gathering goes through. I think it will not in the national or even the still there. That just sat there for in our oceans. The threat to our break up the country, person- international interest because 60 years. We had to remove all culture and the threat to all cul- ally. I just don’t want that. of the risk to migratory birds. I the mud and get it right out of tures is too great. The loss of our believe if the oil – if this project there before we even hoped of culture is not an acceptable risk. goes ahead there will be an oil getting fish. Haaw’a. spill. There always is an oil spill.

16 17 Oral Evidence Hearing – Old Massett, February 29, 2012 Oral Evidence Hearing – Old Massett, February 29, 2012 Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson

Reverend Merlin Naylor Andrew Merilees Jesse Condrotte Jean-Pierre Pineault Dana Myshrall Leandre Vigneault Lynn Lee Peter Hamel One of the things that really I, like many locals and most According to the Declara- I’m a heavy-duty mechan- I’m not naïve. I’ve travelled to Just this morning I heard an En- My mother and little brother I want to address the numbers breaks through to kids [at Redis- Haida, am supported by the tion of Human Rights, we’re ic, and I have a welding and many countries throughout bridge representative talking on finally came to visit me from [of birds] that are currently in covery] is just being out in this environment. I am a very rich all equal before the law. But if heavy-duty mechanic shop in the world. I have seen pollu- CBC Radio saying that it was un- Calgary five years after I moved waters here. Our experience awesome environment, going person. We are in a very rich they spill lots of oil and they Queen Charlotte, and I would tion. I’ve seen waters that you fortunate that local communities here. I remember taking my and exploration of the islands out on the beach and gathering community. That statement don’t clean any of it up, will probably stand to benefit from do not dare to swim in and you were not keeping an open mind mother halibut fishing from is quantitatively different their own food. Actually going may not be verified by my they even be prosecuted fairly this pipeline going through to would not dare to eat out of. I about the proposed project and the Victoria Rose, offshore from academic, government out and trying to surf in Haida bank account, but it is by my or will it matter because there Kitimat and all the tanker traf- may only be 25 years old but that they did not know all the from Chinukundl Creek. My and many other consultants canoes, all that stuff that really pantry. Sgyuu, Galgaahlyang, are just going to be big-league fic and whatever else. But I live I have a full understanding of facts. I would contend that having little brother hooked into what who have worked on birds be- gets those kids away from being Nuu and K’aaw are all found lawyers that don’t care about here because I’m not interest- how clean and untouched the an open mind would be to con- he thought was the bottom of cause of one primary thing: in town and some of the prob- in my pantry, all gathered by the community. All they care ed in that type of lifestyle and Islands are. sider the potential implications of the ocean. Leandre tugged at we live here, and that makes a lems that they have in town, myself in our community and about is money. what it brings to the communi- - - - our activities on the environment the line and it tugged back. huge difference. [...] The great- and just how much fun it is to in our environment. - - - ty here, and none of my friends Several summers ago we went that sustains us and the legacy What he caught was a beau- est numbers of birds that we be out with a really rich, vibrant, - - - Furthermore we have to be are either. on a trip into South Moresby that we leave for future genera- tiful 50-pound halibut, and encounter are during stormy alive ocean. And that’s some of There is a very clear linkage granted the right of a standard I have boats and I travel in taking our 34-foot wooden tions rather than how to maxi- when he brought it up to the weather. So that means we are the stuff that is threatened by between our natural environ- of living adequate for health those waters very frequently, boat. […] This is a trip that mize the amount of money we surface, my mother looked at able to count many birds be- this project. It’s threatening the ment, our ecosystem and the and well-being, and if this su- and the weather is inconsistent leaves you exposed and puts can make now. it and said, “what an ugly fish. tween October and March.[...] chance to take people out and Haida Nation, the Haida, par- per-tanker goes through, sim- and dangerous, and I’ve seen you at the mercy of the weath- - - - We don’t want to keep that.” So I was rather alarmed when show them that stuff. ticularly the oceans. My busi- ply being there would affect firsthand what oil companies er. I did not fully understand I recognize that the implementa- Well, my mother learned Chevron in it’s IEE of the off- - - - ness, my livelihood, depends us greatly and especially if it consider clean up. I’ve kicked what this meant until we tion of the marine use plans will alot on that trip, including shore oil and gas in the mid- If you have driven along the on the health of the Haida, spills. the soil where the Exxon Val- reached the Cape. Sharp tow- also have an immediate cost in what a live halibut looks like. 1980s stated that there could Skeena River you’ll know that depends on the health of these - - - dez ran aground and oil spilled ering cliffs of rock farther than lost jobs and revenue on Haida Before this, all she knew of be a continuous oil spill in all the way down [...] are large Islands, and those two things When I lived in the mainland out onto the beach, and 20 the eye could see, large roll- Gwaii, but the majority of island- halibut is that it is a delicious most parts of Hecate straight granite cliff faces, and above are linked. There’s no way to it was really dirty and hard years later you kick just your ing waves crashing into these ers are willing to make a short fish that is quite expensive at between October and March them are all kinds of snowfields change that link. to breathe, but after I moved foot on the gravel and you see rocks; a true place of beauty time sacrifice in exchange for the the supermarket and looks because there aren’t many and lakes and different water- here, it got clearer, it got bet- oil. And I don’t want that ever but that has the potential to be long-term gain of maintaining like a white steak on a piece birds out there at the time. holding reservoirs and valleys. ter. And I don’t want it to be happening to our community a danger. healthy and functioning ecosys- of foam, wrapped under saran What we discovered over 30 What happens is this water ruined again. I don’t want to here, even if there’s the slight- - - - tem which are in balance and can wrap. Sadly, this story could be years is there are an incredibly seeps over the edge of the hill- have to be breathing air full of est chance of it possibly being In all this, I would like you to provide for future generations. repeated for most Canadians, substantial number and you side, runs through the granite oil, so – I like my air clean and an oil spill some day or at some understand that I’m not op- - - - especially those who do no live have to go out in wild weather and [...] freezes. And you know the water should be clean too. time. posed to Enbridge. I drive my I have supervised and imple- near the coast. Haida Gwaii is as well as in the pleasant. when water runs down a rock If Enbridge can’t abide and if - - - car and heat my house. I am mented several million dollars one of the few remaining plac- - - - hillside and freezes it expands they defile this great land, Hai- Our Canadian government not innocent. What I am op- in stream restoration activities es where we may still all learn We have recorded that there and it pops big chunks off. So it’s da Gwaii wouldn’t even be Hai- should never consider a proj- posed to is these products in the past 15 years and have differently. have now been, since, about a pretty common occurrence to da Gwaii anymore. It wouldn’t ect of this magnitude without being shipped on this route, learned many things about how 307 species of birds in Haida have [...] rock hurtling off the be the people’s land. all the land treaties and titles through these waters that are rivers and streams [...] work. […] Gwaii and adjacent waters. Of hillside [...] through the winter being dealt with. known for their perils. If I’ve learned anything in those those, 167 species are water as- and destroying whatever is be- 15 years it’s a lot cheaper not to sociated, so that’s 61 percent low, whether it be, you know, a break something than it is to try of the avifauna in this area toxic bitumen pipeline or some and fix it. And that when you do is water associated, which is pipeline containing some sort of try and fix it, it doesn’t usually re- quite astounding. condensate. ally work very well.

18 19 Oral Evidence Hearing – Old Massett, February 29, 2012 Oral Evidence Hearing – Skidegate, March 21, 2012 Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson

Skidegate March 21, 2012 Oral Evidence Hearing

Taimen Lee-Vigneault James Nickerson Catherine Rigg April Churchill Miles Richardson Jason Alsop I have grown up on Haida I feel it is also important to My identity, the identity of my However, the Haida maintain You didn’t ask my specific ad- And the [Kay] centre in many Gwaii travelling around much mention that BC’s north coast family, the identity of my com- [that] at no time in history have ways is a training ground for We ask you to vice on your mandate, but if of the islands in our boat, the is home to numerous fresh munity, and the identity of all [our] principles and values you wanted to further this is- new stewards, for managers, Victoria Rose, while my par- and saltwater sports fishing the Islands’ communities is re- respect“ our views, been more important to the sue and further the dialogue for guardians of our sacred places and to get trained in ents do research work. I have businesses, for large commer- ally tied to the ocean. respect the whales, world’s well-being than they in moving relations forward The Haida speakers, yester- the western and Haida ways so seen many cool things on the cial operations with dozens the ocean and the are right now. As we watch cli- between the Haida Nation day, conveyed how their cul- we understand both sides and beach like crabs and sea stars. of guests daily, to local, small mate change wreak havoc over ture is inextricably linked to the seafood of Haida and Canada, you have to – you move forward together. And Once I was bitten by a stubby charter operators, all of which marine environment. Guujaaw Gwaii, and do not the face of this earth, and this could do one simple thing to we tell our stories there, old squid and another time I was contribute to the local econo- said, “Our culture is measured approve the includes Haida Gwaii’s rising this Enbridge proposal: just say stories, new stories. And ev- pinched by a Puget Sound King my and allow us to share our seas, her struggling land, air no. Our people, the Haida Na- erything that happens is a part by how close were are to the Enbridge project. crab. understanding of marine re- earth.” On Haida Gwaii, the com- and sea life-forms, the rise of tion and all of our neighbours of our history. I explore the beach all the sources. munities here are closer to the temperatures and the decrease on [these Islands] and most of So we rely on the tourism time and I fish for salmon, – – – earth than in many parts of the of rainfall, we know – I know our neighbours in this part of for people to come. Our com- munities rely on it, accommo- lingcod, and rock fish. I hunt The value of these fisheries to world. – that this project would not the world have said similarly. Often these social consider- dations, small businesses and with my dad on the beach at local, regional and provincial Beatrice Harley even have been proposed had And if I leave you with one the [Kay Llnagaay Heritage] least four times a year for the and national economies needs ations, how people see them- our ancient knowledge, prin- message today, I want it to be selves, what they value beyond ” Centre relies on it to sustain us deer for all the year. I pick sea- to be considered. The possibil- ciples and values been consid- that. Plus, when my people, their income and jobs – in aca- and allow us to continue to hire weed to eat. And I walk the dog ity of compromising commer- ered. when the Haida people say no, demic terms, we call this non- people and to keep moving for- on the beach with my friends. cial fisheries would be devas- market values – they’re lost on – – – we mean it. We mean it with ward. An important program that’s happening right now is An oil spill would affect all tating because they also have a the focus in economy. And in closing, I cannot de- everything that we are and the Haida Gwaii semester. So of these things, for you would value that is not only econom- – – – scribe the power of Haida everything that we’ll ever be. right now there’s over 20 stu- have to walk in oil on the ic; they truly define our coast What strikes me about this pro- Gwaii as it enters up through [ … ] I sit here and I am very dents from across Canada who beach. The salmon that you communities. cess is that there are people in my body. At that very moment confident that this project will are coming to learn natural caught would not be safe to – – – this room that have never been I know that I am no more im- not proceed, but let’s use it to resource management here eat. The deer might have eaten In short, I am opposed to the involved in anything [like this] portant than the grain of sand advance our relationships as on Haida Gwaii, to learn from something covered in oil. The proposed Enbridge pipeline before. There are heavy-duty [...]. However at that very same people. It’s a wonderful part of the models and the progress of seaweed might have oil on it. project because I feel that the mechanics; [...] there are aero- moment there is a great real- the world that we have inherit- the Haida Nation working with And the dog might eat some- inherent risks are in stark con- bics teachers; there are writers; ization that I am of absolute ed, Haida Gwaii and this whole the Crown. And we want that there are artists. [...] They’re all thing with the oil. An oil spill trast to many of our occupa- importance to the wellbeing of BC coast, and we have a big re- to continue. And they’re also in this room. And you might would affect sea creatures, our tions and the core values that the universe. How does one de- sponsibility as neighbours to going to expand now to a Fall get the impression that we all semester, so they’ll have a full friends and our food. define our lives here on Haida like each other, and I can assure scribe that contradiction? Oth- be responsible stewards. Gwaii. er Haida and people, [...] have semester of learning here on you, we don’t. So what’s impor- Haida Gwaii. tant and what’s really quite in- related similar experiences to And an oil spill, tanker credible [...] never before have me. […] I bring only my spirit traffic, introduced species, the islands come together, I self and invite the spirit of all these things put all this in think, in this significant way. Haida Gwaii and my Creator to jeopardy. This is an incredibly unifying be with me. This is where the process and it is unprecedent- truth is found. For seekers of ed, and I hope you appreciate truth, please seek truth and do just how significant that is to what your spirit tells you is the the Islands. right thing to do.

20 21 Oral Evidence Hearing – Skidegate, March 21, 2012 Oral Evidence Hearing – Skidegate, March 21, 2012 Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson

Beatrice Harley Diane Brown Golie Hans Roy Jones Sr James Cowpar Robert Mills Randy Tennant Jennifer Cross I want to close with another So our stories tell us that is My clan is the Skidegate Gidins, I’m going to begin by telling I’ll start off by just giving you a In relation to health, as a [Ski- I was on the west coast with The ts’iljii, the food gather- teaching that my grandfather how Haida Gwaii was created. known as Naa’uwans Xaay- about the things that can be little description as to who am I. degate] Band Council we are, my friends, it was Mr. Collin- ings, would be lost if there shared with me about respect. This time, we came out of the daga Haida Gwaii or Big House affected if there ever was an oil Born and raised on Haida Gwaii, among many things, respon- son’s brother. He wanted to was a spill. Our once beautiful Xaynuud is a situation where ocean. This is our third time people. I am an Eagle. My clan spill. I will start with seafood an identical twin to my brother sible for delivering health ser- show his son and his nephews shore would turn our world people are not in agreement here. Nang King.aay’uwans, village of origin is Rose Spit we gather. Abalone was our Shawn. We had the enjoyment vices to the Haida people in our some fishing, and he said he black from the oil. The fish and there is bickering back James Young, told me we at Naay Kun. My clan crests main food that we used to eat. of experiencing everything community. Diabetes and obe- was hungry. So of course, I’m will become extinct, so will the and forth. When that happens came the first time from the are the two-headed raven, the We no longer get it because Haida Gwaii had to offer from sity are health issues, which our taking him out. We had a fun bears, the eagles, the ravens we believe it is bad. Whenever air and we disappeared. And Waasgo, the killer whale, the their numbers became so low. camping, to beachcombing, health centre has been working day, we were in Buck Channel that depend on the salmon. there is xaynuud, my grandfa- we came the second time out grizzly bear, the sculpin, the - - - to fishing, more importantly to address. In my first term on and we started fishing. Our entire ecosystem would be of clay, we were made, the ther told me, something will halibut and the Ts’aamuus. Mussels, large mussels and from learning from our Elders council between 2006 and 2008, Well, we were catching hal- past a species-at-risk category. humans were made. And we go wrong. All the Haida people - - - small blue mussels, sea ur- and our ancestors the respect I believe it was 2007 we had a ibut, spring salmon, and we’re - - - disappeared again. This time, do not agree with the Enbridge As matriarch, I have to ensure chins, purple and red sea ur- and values with respect to how visiting doctor [...]. I believe he doing very well, the kids were We are all interdependent on with chiia kaa tl’l xa, we came each other for existence. The project. We do not agree with out of the ocean, and Nang there is enough food, enough chins, medium size with short we conduct ourselves on these worked for Health Canada. loving it. You know even the the pipeline. This means that King.aay’uwans says there’s gifts. All my kids and all the Gi- needles and purple sea ur- lands and waters. He came to visit us in coun- jigs were catching spring salm- salmon feeds our bears. Bears, because there is xaynuud that one more time after this we’re dins clan help prepare for the chins, small with short needles - - - cil chambers and discussed with on; that’s how great of a day eagles, ravens fly up on the for- along the way something is go- going to come again. feast. Mostly seafood is served and light; butter clams, razor […] There’s a paradigm shift us returning to traditional diets we were having. And so I de- est to help fertilize the forest. ing to go wrong. What’s going - - - like k’aaw, halibut, sockeye, clams, horse clams, clams take that’s happening. And as a [Ski- and the successes he’d had with cided, well, we should pull up It helps with reproduction of to go wrong is there’s going to It’s not an easy process to be naaw, and any kind of seafood in water when they go under degate] council we’re promot- other First Nations, and I believe and it was just a feeling I got. our berries and our medicines. be an oil spill. constantly having to worry that we have. […] We serve the sand, so oil will get in there ing, in cooperation with the Alert Bay was one of those com- I decided let’s – there’s some- One continuous cycle every - - - about protecting your home- the Chiefs first and make sure and affect them too. Council of the Haida Nation, our munities. In that conversation, thing telling me to quit, Chris- time the salmon spawn into We ask you to respect our land. I see the strain it takes on they are well looked after. The - - - values, so that for future gener- he encouraged the band council topher. And he said, “Yeah, no the creeks and rivers of our views, respect the whales, the our leadership of constantly young girls serve the Elders. Cockles, barnacles, oysters, ations they can enjoy the same to also encourage our member- problem.” [Islands]. ocean and the seafood of Haida fighting for our rights and People come to witness what scallops, station scallops, large things we have today. ship to change from a western So we started around the - - - Gwaii, and do not approve the fighting mainly to protect. But we’re doing. The gifts are pay- travelling scallops and small - - - diet to a diet with more Haida corner. We’re going home. An oil spill would be worse Enbridge project. I suppose, you know, if you’re ment for witnessing. Our clan travelling scallops and rock […] I recall our experience at 13 traditional foods. And we met a pod of 75 killer than genocide and assimila- going to live on Haida Gwaii, gives gifts to mostly the Ra- oyster, rock scallops; chitons, going to T’alang Sdlang in the - - - whales there. Wow. We were tion. Our way would be trans- you’re going to have to step up vens because we are Eagles. If red chitons, small black chi- north end and Lepas Bay, ev- This morning, we heard from right in amongst them. The formed to 100 percent living and protect her. Ravens help, we have to pay tons, sea cucumbers, crabs, ery bit of it, it’s something that Auntie Bea Harley about her killer whales were right beside on a grocery store and we be- them during the feast. […] If they bury themselves in the I’ll never forget. And it’s some- success with changing back to a the boat, right here beside the come a shell of what we once there was an oil spill it would sand and will be [impacted] by thing that I will look to send traditional diet and thereby re- boat jumping. The babies were were. We would never adapt affect our culture. It would af- an oil spill. my daughter – to this particular versing her diabetes. Reducing coming up trying to play with from an oil spill. What would fect our feasts and potlatches. camp, in the near future, to en- the rate of diabetes and associ- the boat. The mothers would we feed our ancestors? They I don’t know what we would joy the experiences as well. ated high health costs remains a push them away gently. The are used to the abundances serve if there were ever an oil - - - priority for our council, and I’ve bulls were outside back and from the ocean. spill. An oil spill would impact […] In closing, to the Haida this observed that changing to tra- forth, back and forth, you my entire family. place is home, and to our neigh- ditional diet helps many other know. bours, it’s a lifestyle that they health issues experienced by This was an experience that choose to adopt and make it our membership. I wish every Canadian could home. have, you know, just to see that.

22 23 Oral Evidence Hearing – Skidegate, March 21, 2012 Oral Evidence Hearing – Skidegate, March 22, 2012 Allan Wilson Allan Wilson

Skidegate March 22, 2012 Oral Evidence Hearing

Nika Collison Village of Queen Charlotte Village of Queen Charlotte Village of Queen Charlotte Village of Queen Charlotte Village of Queen Charlotte Ruth The five-finned sea monster Carol Kulesha John Broadhead Malcolm Dunderdale Kris Olsen Bill Beamish Gladstone-Davies lived under a reef just off I am Carol Kulesha. I am a long- [ … ] one-quarter of the land One very recent incident that It was always reinforced to me [ … ] Our 2011 Community Plan Children were raised, educated Sgang Gwaay down in the [...] and protected by the adults in time resident of this communi- area of Haida Gwaii is within I’m sure some people here may that you have to have one hand Bylaw [ … ] includes the follow- southern part of the islands There is a reason why for the boat and one hand for their villages. Aunts, uncles, ty and the Mayor of the Village one kilometre of the ocean. know about – especially those ing vision for our community: and he used to make trouble the logging industry your life, a constant reminder Queen Charlotte seeks to be a grandparents and natural of Queen Charlotte. That area That’s a 15-minute walk. A from Massett – is that during parents provided a service as for people, and he was even- collapsed“ and drove of how dangerous working on progressive, forward-thinking has been described before, it’s quarter of the archipelago of the weekend, January 21-22 of tually killed and his skin was the water is. Throughout my a large pattern of mutual as- my community into called Daajing.giids in the other Haida Gwaii is that close to 2012, a COSCO container ship community, which strives to sistance based on reciprocal taken by people down in Sgang adolescence, I worked on oth- presentations and we are part – the ocean, one kilometre. The sailed directly into storm force balance individual, environ- obligations within extended Gwaay, and the crest was taken a decade-long depres- er vessels during the summer that was the first inhabitants of most land-locked part of Haida winds off BC’s north coast. trawling for salmon off the mental, and economic needs families and other traditional at the same time. sion that it is still in. – before we were a village here, Gwaii is only 20 kilometres The predictions were for wind north, east and west coast of within a safe, accessible, and kinship relations. And during Gaahlaay’s It wasn’t due to park there was a Haida village, Daa- from the ocean. speeds up to 130 kilometers an Haida Gwaii [...]. inclusive environment, where For example, the grandpar- – during the late, late Chief creation or land use ents passed down family histo- jing.giids. You can stand on a moun- hour, with sea heights of over - - - we are free to live and prosper. Ts’aahl, Solomon Wilson’s ry. Aunts and uncles provided planning, and it wasn’t --- taintop here and look out over 10 meters, over 30 feet. These In February 2010 the proposed - - - time, one of the descendants of economic teachings and dis- due to blockades. It Queen Charlotte is part of the Hecate Strait and still hear the predictions were issued on the Enbridge Northern Gateway Our values include leadership, Sgang Gwaay, a high-ranking Project was on the agenda for cipline. Mothers and fathers collapsed because it larger community of Haida sound of the Pacific Ocean be- Friday, the day before the inci- which acts in the best interests man, still lived, and he gave an all-Island protocol meeting provided emotional security, wasn’t sustainable. Gwaii and our residents are hind your back. The land and dent, yet the container vessel, of the community, partner- love and affection. Other ex- that crest to Solomon so that in Port Clements. These meet- ships with our neighbouring Haida Gwaiians. In Novem- the sea are linked together COSCO Yokohama, flagged in ings represent an ongoing dia- tended family and community it would not die with him. […] communities, and environ- provided the necessary teach- ber 2006 the Village of Queen so tightly, so closely that you Liberia, sailed directly into it. logue between the Council of Crests are very valuable in our mental stewardship. By partic- ings of status, the spiritual and Charlotte signed a protocol could say fairly that the land - - - the Haida Nation, band coun- world. Evan Putterill mystical sides, community val- agreement with the Council of and the ocean are one. The vessel, while in Dixon En- cils, and elected municipal ipating in these hearings, I am – – – ues and obligations. ” Haida Nation. This agreement And in the centre between trance area, lost 29 containers leaders and area directors on supporting the leadership for The Elders have said over and - - - was based on the recognition them is the child, the future, overboard [...]. The vessel was Haida Gwaii. our Council, which has spon- over again that our main law is In September 2011 a group of that all of the people who live vulnerable, holding an icon of actually on its way from Asia to - - - sored – who, by sponsoring yahgudang – respect. Having women began to start the heal- on Haida Gwaii have a vested the sky, the clear blue sky, the Prince Rupert […] I was tasked to consult with the two resolutions to the Union respect for all things and being ing process of the impacts of interest in the present and fu- clear green ocean, and Haida - - - non-Haida communities about of BC Municipalities in 2010, the Indian Act on who they are fit for respect yourself. [...] Be- ture well-being of the lands and Gwaii in the middle. And that’s [ … ] I see that – the way that the proposed Enbridge North- showed that they oppose the and how their rights were af- fore you go fishing or any type ern Gateway Project. During this waters of Haida Gwaii. what she’s saying, she’s saying, the Yokohama was transit- pipeline and tanker route, and fected. I am part of this group. of gathering you also have to period an accident happened in --- “Think of this.” ing that he probably had no by appearing before this panel We decided that the goal was get yourself in a good frame the Gulf of Mexico, bringing the The Village of Queen Charlotte choice. He certainly didn’t today, is acting in the best in- to initiate the process of ad- of mind: positive, respectful, reality of the risks associated dressing our issues as we be- respects the hereditary re- have much of a place to hide, terest of the community and thankful. Also when you are with this project very clear to lieve it will take generations sponsibilities and the relation- but he could have slowed down Haida Gwaii to reinforce our preparing what you’ve gath- me. to redress the impact of colo- ships of the Haida people to and pointed into the southeast After meaningful consulta- community’s vision and val- ered you’ve got to keep your nization we have experienced, Haida Gwaii and we recognize winds. But no, he decided to go tion with all of the non-Haida ues, and endeavouring to pro- mind good, speaking only well which haunts us to this day. the co-existence of Crown and through with it. communities on Haida Gwaii, I tect it from risks inherent with - - - of others or you can ruin your Aboriginal title. The protocol witnessed each community be- the presence of bulk crude oil One very important aspect is food, you can ruin your medi- agreement sets out the basis for come united in opposition [to tankers travelling through knowing that with the passing cine, and also it’s not only take all of us to work together in a the] proposed project because Hecate Strait, Dixon Entrance, of Bill C-31 we were allowed what you need, but also from the risks of an accident happen- spirit of respectful cooperation, and Queen Charlotte Sound. once again to return home, within the limits of what the ing in an area that holds so much gather, process, prepare and to design a future that supports lands or waters can bear. value [...] are unacceptable [...]. consume our traditional foods. a healthy environment and a sustainable Islands’ economy.

24 25 Oral Evidence Hearing – Skidegate, March 22, 2012 Oral Evidence Hearing – Skidegate, March 22, 2012 Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson

Benjamin Baird Duncan White Moresby Island Management Comm. Moresby Island Management Comm. Haida Gwaii CoASt Haida Gwaii CoASt Haida Gwaii CoASt Haida Gwaii CoASt My last trip in 2011 with Queen [ … ] The weather cleared a lit- Evan Putterill Heron Weir Ian Benoit Marvin Boyd William Davies Mary Williams Charlotte Adventures was a tle bit and so we headed off to We don’t always agree on is- In Sandspit I worked in the My experiences growing up I was on a flight down the west Fishing the waters of Haida [ … ] I’m 12-years old from the four-day tour to each of the Hot Springs to cut the corner sues on these islands; in fact, tourism industry, driving pow- here are constitutive of my coast of Haida Gwaii a few Gwaii has made me rich. I don’t Kun ‘laanas clan. Haida Watchmen sites in Gwaii from Juan Perez, across Juan we mostly disagree when it erboats from Sandspit and identity. [The experiences years ago and spotted a tanker own a large house, or a fancy Me and my brother, Traf- are] predominant factors in Haanas. We had 17 Japanese, Perez rather than go around comes to land use issues. It’s Moresby Camp area down to headed south about two miles pickup truck. Heck, I don’t ton, have been going to Swan one Canadian interpreter and my socialization, and these closer to the shore. So we’re not the case in this situation. around the area that I lived, in off the coast. That’s kind of un- even own a pickup truck that Bay for the last three years in four guides in two boats. I was experiences that I’m going to traveling on – travelling be- The creation of the Gwaii Haa- Rose Harbour. I currently still usual. There was much specu- aboard a local Skidegate vessel describe, have been, and are, runs. I’ve become rich with Gwaii Haanas. We have learned called the Highlander [...], and tween – on a narrow passage nas Park Reserve was some- drive powerboats down here today, dependent on social lation amongst the passengers knowledge and rich with good much about the land and water the other guides were aboard in the middle of the Bischof Is- thing that we – that polarized for a living. I own part of a and ecological elements, all of on the aircraft as to what the stories about fishing. by our elders. Our elders have the Spruce Cove [...]. lands and all of a sudden ahead Haida Gwaii. My dad was a tour company and we do a lot which are put at risk by the vessel was up to. And on the People have come up here been using their techniques These people had travelled of us we see a killer whale fluke faller at the time and was vo- of – bring a lot of people down presence of crude carriers in way back north, a couple of to speak and they have spoken from their families and pass across the Pacific specifically and he’s headed southward. So cally supportive of a park cre- there. the surrounding marine area. hours later, that tanker had fondly of their times gathering it on for future generations. to see Gwaii Haanas, and [...] I I’m thinking well, I hope he ation. His stance was not well People come up here to ex- – – – made a U-turn and was now from the sea with family and Most techniques we still use could see from their reactions stays southward. He didn’t. He received by his colleagues in perience the nature that we While working for Gwaii Haa- headed north. There was a no friends, and most definitely today, like getting fresh crabs, and exclamations that they turned in our direction. the logging industry, to say the have to offer. We don’t – on nas I informed visitors that the longer any speculation. We all they have spoken with gusto going clam digging, fishing, were awestruck by many of the Now, you’ve got to under- least, and many in the com- our trips we don’t even do any archipelago is [...] maintained knew he was lost. He thought of time spent consuming these going for octopus, and getting places we visited. stand, this is a narrow passage- munity of Sandspit were over- sports fishing or anything like and made use of so as to leave he was off the BC coast, look- wonderful gifts from the sea. seaweed, just off the rocks. - - - way. It’s probably about from whelmingly against the cre- that. We just go to see the pure it unimpaired for the benefit ing for a way to get in. We brag about it. The sea sur- [ … ] there was an explosion and education and enjoyment of water off to my left and here over to there, probably ation of the park at that time. nature of the area and to expe- rounding Haida Gwaii has 100-yards wide, if that – less I guess my dad went against rience some of the native his- of future generations, as writ- made me rich, rich because my just out of my peripheral vi- ten in Section 3(1) of the Gwaii sion. I glanced back, and to than that. the grain because he saw the tory in the area as well. head is filled with beautiful, Haanas Agreement. my utter terror saw a sea lion He came close enough past value beyond the trees and un- breathtaking images. The terms of the debate us so that we could hear him derstood what South Moresby with its entire body straight surrounding the Northern up and down out of the water breathing, as he paid no at- meant to the Haida and to the Gateway application centers and looking right at me, or so tention to us, as it happened. world. around the words “national I thought. We actually weren’t paying - - - interest” and as this docu- I screamed and retreated a whole lot of attention to There is a reason why the log- ment bears the signature of towards my paddling partner him because I scooted for one ging industry collapsed and the national government its in a very undignified way, but shore, Jennifer scooted for the drove my community into a content should be considered as I looked back I discovered other shore, and I think both decade-long depression that it an expression of our national what she had really been after: of us felt that the other was a is still in. It wasn’t due to park interest. And I would say that a diving loon poked its head up the presence of crude carriers good sacrifice in order to sur- and out of the churning water, creation or land use planning, in the Hecate Strait would be vive, but anyway. only to be pulled under before and it wasn’t due to blockades. in conflict with this legislation. the body surfaced, presumably It collapsed because it wasn’t by the sea lion who I thought sustainable. [...] Although it was on my tail. The adrenalin was good when it lasted, the rush from this episode didn’t cut-and-run mentality was out subside for nearly an hour, and of touch with the reality that I still can’t get that image out our local economy was a whol- of my head. ly owned subsidiary of the en- vironment.

26 27 Oral Evidence Hearing – Skidegate, March 22, 2012 Oral Evidence Hearing – Skidegate, March 22, 2012 Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson Allan Wilson

Haida Gwaii CoASt Gwaii Haanas Tour Operators Assoc. Haida Gwaii CoASt Haida Gwaii CoASt Haida Gwaii CoASt Haida Gwaii CoASt Haida Gwaii CoASt Haida Gwaii CoASt Trafton Williams Laura Pattison Betsy Cardell Kevin Borserio Josh Vandal Niisii Guujaaw Judson Brown Severn Today I’m here to represent [ … ] I am 11 years old and from The field station on East Lime- I have the privilege of work- I’ve had the privilege to watch When we were little, my mom I come from a long, long line of Cullis-Suzuki the Gwaii Haanas Tour Opera- the Kun ‘laanas clan. stone Island has been carry- ing with a class of 12 Skide- black bear, the largest in North would take my brother and I Haida that have a very strong [ … ] I got burnt out on interna- tors Association. I’ve seen lots of new stuff ing out long-term ecological gate Haida elders who are flu- America and possibly the down the hill to the beach at low spiritual connection to Haida tional work; I moved to Haida We’re an association of tide in the morning and teach for the past six years in Gwaii research and monitoring in ent, whose average age is 75 world, feeding at low tide on Gwaii and its surrounding wa- Gwaii – the epitome of ecologi- most of the businesses that us about all the creatures on Haanas. I really like to travel to the Laskeek Bay area, involv- right now. They represent 50 the beach. I’ve had the privi- ters. This spiritual thread of cal biodiversity and partner- run tours in Gwaii Haanas. the beach. We’d pick up starfish Swan Bay. ing about 15 programs. The percent of the remaining flu- lege to attend feasts hosting connection has been passed ship between nations and peo- That’s Gwaii Haanas National and learn about their tube feet, The ocean life I’ve seen is primary focus has been on sea- ent Skidegate Haida language over 500 with nothing but on through the generations. ples to protect ecosystems, the Park Reserve, Haida Heritage catch as many crabs as we could dolphins, killer whales, and birds such as ancient murre- speakers on planet earth. The fresh seafood, and yet we have and find animals camouflaged My parents, my nanaays and ethnodiversity for the good of Site, and Marine Conserva- humpback whales. I like to lets, Cassin’s auklets, marbled wisdom held in their language trays upon trays left over. I’ve right into the seaweed, poke my chinaays, grandparents, all; here’s where I could feel tion Area Reserve. All of those go gather food with my uncle murrelets, pigeon guillemots is unique, intellectual and had the privilege to grow up sea squirts nestled between the have always brought me along the good work of governments terms, National Park, Haida and I’ve gone fishing for lots and others. spiritual. Their language is the and live on Haida Gwaii. rocks, hold sea cucumbers and on their food harvesting trips. – that they do have the ability Heritage Site, Marine Conser- of stuff. Some of the stuff are My particular favourite, soul of their culture with for- These are privileges that watch moon snails squish their Spending time with them on to protect biodiversity. vation Area, none of those are huge bodies back into their halibut, octopus, clams, crabs the ancient murrelets, is a midable ties to the land and we want to share with our the land was the best schooling And there are few pristine consistent with having an oil shell. and spring salmon. small seabird that spends its the sea and the supernatural. children and our children’s I have ever done. places in this world. These is- spill, a pipeline, tanker traffic. During the low tides at the life at sea and comes ashore to - - - children. These are privileges It was during these times lands are one of the last strong- It’s a complete oxymoron and right time of the year, my dad nest and raise two chicks be- In the Skidegate Haida lan- that we want to share on the on the land and on the water holds of this natural capital. I’m –frankly, I’m amazed that takes us to dig clams and geo- neath the roots of large trees guage, when something aston- Islands, in the waters, with fu- where this spiritual connec- This is a place where I can raise this is being considered. ducks from the beach before on about 30 small islands on ishes you, you can say Skuujii ture generations [ … ] tion grows and strengthens. my children and know they I’m speaking to you as – as supper, octopus hunting late at Haida Gwaii. Gaw. Haida Gwaii knows Skuu- These are privileges you Gathering seafood for your will not have to catch flounders a representative of quite a few night and fishing from the riv- This is the only place in jii Gaw. cannot put a price on. We need family is more than just the full of cancers. This is a place small businesses here. And ers and oceans when the time Canada where this species The literal translation is these marine resources to sus- act of picking up clams on I know we can keep a healthy what we’d like to see is the gov- is right. nests and at least 50 percent of your bones are gone. Well, I’m tain us nutritionally as human the beach. It’s more involved. connection with the land. This ernment – take us seriously as - - - the world’s populations nests so shocked and astonished that beings just as much as we need There are certain protocols we is a place where I know that businesses even though we’re Every kid on Haida Gwaii up here. Laskeek Bay Conserva- the federal government is con- them to sustain us culturally as have such as giving thanks. they will be able to experience not huge, multimillion or mul- and down the coast grew up tion Society is basically rep- sidering tanker traffic, because Haida people. the traditional lands and seas tibillion dollar corporations. playing outside on the beach. resenting this species on the of the inherent dangers to the Our deepest roots are in na- that their father, their father’s We are businesses, we have a You’re not a Haida Gwaii kid if world stage and has an inter- seafood, the marine life and ture. No matter who you are, father and their father’s fa- role to play in the economy, you don’t own gumboots. national obligation to protect our children’s inherent right where you live or what kind of ther’s father’s great-grandfa- and our success, our ability to We raise salmon in our it. to experience, appreciate, life you lead, we all remain ir- thers experienced when they run our businesses is based on classroom. We ditch the text- marvel in, the food and diver- revocably linked with the rest were children. book and take a field trip. [...] having a strong, healthy ma- sity of life, and also the poten- of creation. Our health as a We all learn from our land and rine environment. tial threat to Gwaii Haanas, a people and our society is intri- our waters. We don’t want to Haida Heritage Site, a Canadi- cately tied to the health of the lose that. an National Park Reserve that land and the waters and the was honoured a few years ago life within. as the number one best park managed in North America, that my bones are gone. Skuu- jii Gaw.

28 29 Oral Statement Hearing – Old Massett, June 1, 2012

Old Massett June 1, 2012 Oral Statements

Doug Daugert Ron Haralson Dierdre Brennan Lily Bell Estrella Hepburn Lynda Osborne Tim Wolthers My focus is on maintaining a We who live here are asked to We used to joke that the broker It seems like we always have I have travelled to other plac- An article in the “Observer” When I was sworn in I brought resource I see as equally valu- shoulder the risk of disastrous we were, the better we ate be- to come back to this, fighting es and lived other places in just this week had to go to the a prop, and my prop was a We’ve very lucky able to our country as the bi- impacts to our livelihood and cause that was when the trea- this good fight for our precious my life; the Mediterranean, Freedom of Information Act globe, and that’s what I swore that here“ there has tumen underlying much of our homes, and it would take sures came out: canned fish, Haida Gwaii. And I’m so happy Mexico, and I’ve always loved to get BC Ferries documents my oath on. I wasn’t allowed been a moratorium northern Alberta. I see that a vivid imagination to see an clams, deer meat and berries. that Jusquan’s here today be- spending time on the beaches about a bad crossing. It was a to bring it, but it is back there. on the oil tanker marine environment and all upside for the people of these The ENG project puts this cause when the Canadian Forc- by the ocean. But ultimately, bad decision on the part of the I chose a globe because this is passage in our of its spin-off effects has been islands in the proposal that kind of food security and self- es station was going to be put when I’ve spent time in these Captain. No amount of new what it’s really all about. This waters. It has just as important as energy we’ve heard so far. sufficiency for the next gener- uptown, I remember so clearly places, I’ve stepped in a hor- technology will erase human is what is most precious and preserved the to our country and to our lo- – – – ation seriously at risk. [...] Ev- Naanii Emma Matthews, she rible tar slick that can only be hubris and the human error this is what it is that we are cal economy and to our local The ballast water from tank- ery creek and stream between didn’t care about the money removed with gasoline or tur- that comes with it. fighting over. pristine and unique people. ers, it seems to me, would the Rockies and the Coast that it was going to bring. She pentine. No matter how much as- – – – wilderness and It takes a lot of time to re- logically need to be pumped Mountains eventually finds said, “I’m worried about our We’ve very lucky that here surance Enbridge gives us of This present growth rate, this ecosystem of cruit and train scientists, man- to shore and filtered before it its way into the mighty Fraser. berries. I’m worried about our there has been a moratorium the safety of these new tank- world growth rate, is unsus- this place. agers and technicians, even if re-enters the sea, since heaven One spill could contaminate berries because that’s what’s on the oil tanker passage in ers and all the technology they tainable for the earth and we suitably educated people are knows where it came from. the drinking water for a large going to be taken away from our waters. It has preserved will have on board, they can- know that, and all of us are available and if budgets are ad- And I would fully expect to see portion of our province. From us.” And I remembered that the pristine and unique wil- not talk about just one Captain demanding more resources equate. If we’re to have a pool the mainlanders demand auto- the rugged Coast Mountains as we thought of the fight we derness and ecosystem of this that is so arrogant and thinks than the earth can supply. of competent people available matic shutoffs on both sides of come the clean salmon-bear- have to go through again to- place. he knows it all, or one that is Therefore, more and more of Estrella” Hepburn in five or six years when the oil every sizable watercourse that ing rivers, Skeena, Stikine and day. If you ever get the chance so compliant as to take their our human activities are be- starts flowing, we need to im- is crossed to limit the volume Nass, also endangered by this Our food, our life, our food to go down to Gwaii Haanas, tanker into a storm for a dead- coming unsustainable. We are mediately begin training avail- of oil spills. proposal. gathering, this is what makes you’ll feel what this place is line that needs to be met. unleashing new forces that are able people to supply the gov- And the benefits of this There’s a perception cur- us as we are as Haida people. about and its connection to All of this I can see tak- changing the earth and its eco- ernment and industry with the project to the Canadian econo- rently promoted by the oil The sacred foods, the salmon, how it was in ancient times. ing place. The captains of the systems in ways too many of us human resources we will need my appear to be considerable, industry that anyone not for the sockeye, the coho, the dog I would not want to see the ferries do it all the time with refuse to understand. for the management, regula- even if they’re not apparent this project is part of a fringe salmon; we would not feel as ecosystem touched by an oil people’s lives. Why wouldn’t a The price we pay for this tion, compliance, and enforce- here, and it should certainly be group of nutbars that are go- a real people if we just had to spill as it would destroy not Captain of a tanker do it also? rapidly expanding petroleum ment before the first drop of worthwhile to undertake some ing against the national inter- go to Co-op or Walmart and only my way of life but a whole It’s human nature. sands project in Alberta is very bitumen flows to the coast. of these relatively small and est. Nothing could be further eat off those shelves. All our culture that is intertwined high. If we proceed with full While Enbridge and the inexpensive adjustments to re- from the truth. sacred food, that’s what makes with the sea. I believe that the throttles open we will pay a federal government and pro- duce the risk and enhance the Every First Nations commu- us who we are as Haida people. ability to sustain ourselves higher price, a price that the vincial governments all assure benefits. nity and most municipalities We would not be real people. from what we grow, hunt and planners and promoters never us they’d be ready and pre- Surely the purpose of these along the route, our regional harvest locally is the way to a seem to fully calculate and re- pared for anything that might hearings it to minimize risk district, our local Member of sustainable future, especially port. occur, it’s hard to imagine that and maximize the benefit Parliament, and Members of when looking at a peak oil situ- being the case. to Canadians. Surely no one the Legislative Assembly and ation. should suggest that all the the Union of BC Municipalities benefits [...] should go to oil say no. company shareholders and executives while the rest of us assume the risks and suffer the consequences.

30 31 Oral Statement Hearing – Old Massett, June 1, 2012 Oral Statement Hearing – Old Massett, June 1, 2012

Susanne Suna Dominique Legault Pat Parish Emily Watts Babs Stevens Karen McMurray Ken Leslie Marni York I left the safety and security So this process, the word “con- It was interesting that the start I work at a local cannery where Living from the ocean is who I have a degree in commerce [...] this is a very bountiful The immensity of this time – of Switzerland for the second sulting”, it brings up a lot. So of the hearings coincided with we process razor clams, crab, we are. For a number of years, and a keen interest in eco- area, and I feel that what is family members have told me time in 2009 to come back consulting always reminds an Enbridge spill. Pipelines halibut and salmon. We work my friends and I would go to nomics. While I value entre- threatened here, what is be- that it’s no use; it’s all a fore- here, to live a simple life in me of the saying “no means spill, tankers spill. What I see seasonally, and I think if we Hot Spring Island, Gandll K’in, preneurship and business ac- ing proposed here is environ- gone conclusion. And I just tune with nature. I left a lovely no”. “No means no” is a slogan here is a process where the had an oil spill, where would for a women’s retreat. The date tivity, I have a very difficult mentally dispossessing people returned from a week with manicured landscape for the from the anti-rape movement. Prime Minister has indicated that leave us? We’d have noth- would always be determined time with the Canadian gov- from their land and from their young people at Mount Mo- by the lowest tides. We would muskeg and the old growth When one party says no, then that we’re terrorists. I suspect ing to process and we’d have ernment right now. That this culture and forcing them to be- resby Adventure Camp, and gather food every day and eat forest and the pristine beach- it means that it can’t happen that we shall see you all in no jobs. off the land. That is how our plan is even being considered come environmental refugees we take kids from New Mas- es of Haida Gwaii. I wanted to even if there’s one or three or Court. My mother and grand- ancestors survived. leaves me gobsmacked. Many and forcing them into our sort sett, Old Massett area. And escape the consequences of four parties saying yes. mother, Emily Abraham, One day, our guudingaay in this community believe the of “civilized system”, which is we just spent the week on the super-capitalism and over-de- So these projects only work taught us to gather food, berry spear, which is a long stick decision to allow supertankers already on the brink. And then land and learning about how velopment. when we can work together. picking, clam digging for but- with large nails tied securely through these waters has al- not just environmentally, even to live with each other with- And what did I find? Greed They can’t happen when a ter clams and getting chitons. with string, was totally apart, ready been made and that this financially in our banking sys- out an iPod, without the tech- is in the process of ruining the large population says no unit- The sea and the beach is our unusable. That night, I awoke process is simply a formality. tem. The signs are all there. nology that’s distracting, and very qualities of this land and edly, as we have on Haida livelihood. I go fishing for hali- in the middle of the night and - - - From my perspective, the they found themselves in that seascape that I came here for. Gwaii. When we ask a question, but, salmon and lingcod. I love heard what sounded like a rock As much as my life would be way to sanity for our civiliza- opportunity. What is going to become of it is to learn and listen, though going fishing. We go out for banging on something, and I destroyed by an oil spill, I tion lies with indigenous peo- I like to help kids because went back to sleep. And the these pristine beaches if they it could be hard to listen to an seaweed. would be considered a lucky ple to show us the way back people have helped me find next morning, when we got up are polluted by crude oil? answer. So the question has Where will we get all this and went outside, our guud- one. My extended family does to the land, for caring for the myself through the outdoors, In Switzerland, something been asked, and we’ve been if there’s an oil spill? Will the ingaay spear was all fixed up, not live here. My parents im- land, to re-evaluate our priori- through the food gather- that had such profound conse- speaking. company help us? No. Also, good as new. migrated to Canada before I ties so that we could live in a ing, through the adventures. quences on the environment So I’d like to thank the mankind reaping everything We were the only ones on was born and lived in the sub- way that’s sustainable without And that’s my life, I work in would certainly be put to the Panel for being such patient they can from Mother Earth, that island [...] Our ancestor urbs of Vancouver, where I was endlessly chasing growth or al- schools, I love working with vote. It should be left to the listeners. You’ve been listen- Mother Earth is suffering. The had come and fixed it for us. raised. I also have a sister who ways having to pay back debts kids and that’s what I can con- inhabitants of Haida Gwaii and ing to our answers to the ques- Natives respect Mother Earth. That is how right and true it is lives on the lower mainland in some financial system that, tribute to my community. And the northwest coast to decide tions at hand, and you can see We only take what we need, for us to gather seafood; even with her family. let’s face it, it’s all made up. Enbridge is threatening that, whether they want crude oil how affected we would be. And but I see mankind taking and the spirit world and our ances- Haida Gwaii has been my It’s spaceship Earth, and the tar sands is threatening my transported through their wa- you’ve been listening to what’s taking and taking. I love living tors are aligned with it. home only for my adult life. we all live on that spaceship existence. ters or not. important in our lives and we on Haida Gwaii. I read in the Rupert paper If there was a spill along these together. And it seems like – – – yesterday that a lot of people have spoken clearly as indi- Number one, where will shores, I could join my family our civilization is bent on rip- So people back in Ottawa are aren’t showing up for the hear- viduals and as a united island we get our food? Where will ings because of the way the where they live. I would not ping apart this very complex, trying to make this decision community. And no means no. we live when we can’t get our government is dealing with necessarily be happy there, but almost an organism that sup- for us, no thanks. You know, food? Will the company pay this situation. It seems that I would survive and my chil- ports us, in a way. The tar sands tar sands, it cost more to pro- the people of Haida Gwaii for they have made up their mind dren would survive. I would are a glaring example where cess that stuff than what it’s damages? One thing I’ll tell that whatever is said won’t re- have my memories of Haida whole forests are just dug up worth and it’s destructive, flat you is all the money in the ally make a difference. Gwaii and tell stories to my and layers dug up, even new out, plain out destructive. world couldn’t help us. We love I decided that I can’t sit children about all the adven- systems like fracking where living off the land and the sea, back and not speak up. If not tures we had here, the amaz- they force lots and lots of wa- so I pray that things stay that for us, who will? We are the ing experiences, but the time ter way down into the earth way. caretakers of this land. spent on these islands and my and create steam and generate memories would only be mine lots of waste. to lose. 32 33 Oral Statement Hearing – Old Massett, June 1, 2012 Oral Statement Hearing – Old Massett, June 1, 2012 Pat Moss

Suzanne Thibodeau John Smith Kiku Dhanwant Lisa Edwards Louise Susanne Koenig Michael Koenig Shaun Peacock In the past I’ve had health is- I came as far away as I could to Even though the Panel does Many years ago on BC Ferries, I van der Linden I also don’t think that, as Kiku The last big spill in Europe As a country we’re already in sues and some of them related as different a place as I could not consider the tar sands, cli- was on there with a boatload of Oil petroleum products of all said earlier, the true economic was in 2003, in Spain. Given, the eleventh hour in our envi- to petroleum products, fumes find from that diminished land mate change, and the broader children. We were coming back kinds are hazardous to our cost of the pipeline and the it was a single hull tanker, still ronmental issues, and if they from buses and things and it where I grew up. I came to a issues associated with fossil from the Northern Games. I health, extraordinarily haz- tankers really outweighs the it happened and it was on the bring this pipeline through was an amazing experience place relatively unchanged by fuel extraction as relevant to was up in the gallery and it was ardous to the environment benefits. If you calculate if a northwest coast of Spain in a that brings us into the thir- also to come up here and not to people, even though people these hearing, with all due re- a fairly nice day. There is noth- around us. We existed for a spill happens how much dam- little province called Galicia. teenth hour – we’re done, it’s get headaches anymore. And have prospered here for thou- spect, I think it is all intercon- ing more normal than a ferry long time before we had them age that would do to small It was devastating. There’s still over. when I go back to the city for sands of years. nected and I disagree with the ride from Rupert to us. and now we have to systemati- businesses, that could never hundreds of kilometers of that I know a lot of people who a few months and then I come Of all my jobs, the worst was scope of the Panel. I was just sitting down cally reduce our use of them. It outweigh the thousands of coastline [that] are polluted. didn’t want to come here to- back, I literally feel like I’m being part of a cleanup crew – – – and I happened to notice that doesn’t make sense to invest in jobs that they want to create They cannot clean it up. night, didn’t want to speak. drinking the air for the first at a tanker spill. In the best of If the damage to the ecosystem something caught my eye, and very expensive infrastructure during the construction phase They had I don’t know how They said we’ll meet them few days that I’m back. circumstances, it was a futile in our coastal communities I looked out and I saw a wave to continue to expand our use of the pipeline. many marine, navy people at the border if they try and I feel like my lungs are just impossible task. In the worst was assessed and was associ- coming towards the boat. This of these products. It is wrong – – – there, soldiers, many, many bring that pipeline through. – I feel like it’s water and that of conditions, namely the no- ated with the price of doing wave hit this ferry to a point to force these catastrophes Then, if a spill happens, not volunteers at the time. They And that’s where I’ll be. They it’s coming in and filling up my torious waters off the rugged business, the Northern Gate- that – as I’ve learned after – if on the environment and upon only me, everybody knows tested 800 navy people after try and bring that pipeline lungs and making me feel so northwest coast. way pipeline would not be fi- it would have hit it harder, it people who clearly state they that it is literally impossible to the cleanup, they all developed through I’m going to be right healthy. And it’s not an expe- To introduce the tar sands nancially viable. would have tipped that boat do not want them. contain the oil. And it would lung disease, cardiovascular at the border. rience that I’ve had anywhere sludge into this churning chaos The Canadian government and we probably would have The outcomes of our de- wash up all around that whole problems […] after the cleanup I see commercials on TV, else. So this is a precious, pre- is a ludicrous, verging on crimi- expects to make a decision all perished. And the reason I pendence are already disas- area and it would wash up the and it is all linked to the clean- some lady’s on a commercial. cious environment that needs nally irresponsible proposal. that benefits the whole coun- say that story is because our trous and they’ll only become rivers and it would be every- up and it is actually proven. She’s like we got these tar to be protected. Any cleanup would be monu- try at the cost of the few that waters are very unpredictable; more so if we have another where. On the other side too, all sands here and we’re doing You might think that you mentally inadequate and what live on the coast and Alberta. I no one saw it coming. pipeline and tankers on our And I have brought those those people who lived there, this and that and four out of can’t relate to this way of liv- would be on the dinner table? believe that those living along – – – beautiful coast. All of us, from drift cards that were thrown in many little fishing villages five of these tar sands could be ing, so it doesn’t matter to you. Let those who would ben- the pipeline route and the The federal government is the youngest child to the most the water when the Exxon Val- were destroyed. The suicide built and handled like this in But if you choose to respect efit from this project step for- north coast should have much making it harder to make this senior government official and dez sank. They throw, as a drift rate went skyrocket up. Many an environmental manner. the way of life here, this place ward and pledge to remove the greater say in the proposal be- idea safer and they’re taking business executive need to study, in little wooden cards. people just killed themselves Well that would be just like could become a refuge for you crude from the sea floor, from cause we are bearing the risk away environmental assess- put our minds and energies to And they are right now over on the beaches because they me going gees, I’ll take, you when you need clean air, clean the crabbing areas, from the when a spill occurs. ments. They’re making them finding other ways to meet our there. And they drifted over – couldn’t handle it. That’s a know, four aamas and flush food, and clean water. beaches, the mud flats and the I know that a small commu- so that the standard almighty needs. These new ways will those cards were found on East truth too. them down the toilet and see clam beds, from the life in and nity would not simply decide buck, in the end, can come in also bring new jobs and new Beach. why somebody’s mad at me on the ocean. to have a sewage treatment and have the potential to de- livelihoods. I know a fellow who has while I throw the fifth one – – – plant or a garbage dump on stroy a standard of living that Necessity is the mother of more than 200 of those picked around the house. I mean, it It is said that we are the supe- one person’s property in the we all have here and that we invention. Human ingenuity is up from East Beach. And they doesn’t work that way. rior intelligent species when neighbourhood because it is all cherish. And I do not think limitless. We lived without car- make their way up and they compared to those species who good for the whole communi- it’s fair that the government, bon products for a very long came with the oil and the tar is have misfortune to share this ty. Even kids know that that’s or any corporations, has any time and we can do it again. still sticking on there. planet with us but I don’t buy it, not fair. right to come into my commu- or else I’m missing something. nity and take that chance of Perhaps we’re just the most de- ruining it. vious species and they’ve mis- taken deviousness for wisdom.

34 35 Oral Statement Hearing – Old Massett, June 1, 2012 submitted submitted

Old Massett June 2, 2012 Oral Statement Hearing

Roberta Kennedy Lorette Smillie Traci Murphy Vernon Williams Jr Jo-Anne Zaleski Natalie Affolter Mary Disney Yaahl, raven flapped his wings I am very concerned, of course, I kept a diary during [my] time I’ve worked. I’ve done the sein- My home is the forests, the riv- Our political leaders fail to ade- In all my life I never thought very hard, and that darkness of what I’ve heard, the news that [with the coastguard] and I ing. I’ve done the crabbing. I’ve ers, the lakes and the oceans. I quately value the fact that peo- I would have to justify the ex- came out of him and from I’ve heard around the world and want to read some sections: done all the harvesting from In all my life I never am a part of them and use them ple need food and clean water istence we have here on Haida around him, it created our what’s been coming through the the commercial world and I’ve thought I would have every day. My family and I har- in order to survive. Businesses Gwaii. Brag about it for sure, July 23, 2001: 70 foot Dawn Sea “ world. Our world. It was so internet. I have something here seen it mismanaged out of al- vest shellfish, sea asparagus, can be incredibly innovative but never feeling you have to (ph) sinking south of Savary to justify the exis- beautiful. It took his breath written by Paul Josephs. He talks most nothing. I worked with mint nettle, salmon, halibut, when the need arises. Unfortu- tell why it’s important. It is so Island, 2,000 gallons of fuel on tence we have here away as he shouted Haan’iis about Enbridge as having 80 oil people who walk the rivers, cod, berries, Nootka rose, elder- nately, in Canada the business- out of my range of thinking board.” gwa, that is so beautiful. I must spills last year and an average and watched so much change on Haida Gwaii. Brag flowers, spruce tips, seaweed, es facilitating resource extrac- to justify living here. Why do change myself into a two- of 70 per year in pipeline op- It did not sink but could have already. And with the oil tank- about it for sure, but wood and venison. tion are still persistently based we have to justify to you that legged, a human, a man. In erations. And the pipelines will wiped out the shellfish indus- ers going through everybody’s never feeling you – – – on the same colonial model we don’t want any oil on our my new shape I’ll go into this cross 773 streams between Al- try of Desolation Sound. No land and waters – I’m not just have to tell why it’s On April 11th 2012 the Financial that plagues most third world beaches or in our oceans? world, I’ll fix it. I’ll make it even berta and Kitimat on our coast. boom or oil response equip- talking about First Nations. important. It is so Post article par Dina O’Meara countries, countries, which we – – – better than it is, because it was – – – ment was deployed. In that They’re affecting all of us. It’s out of my range of shows that a new study con- in Canada feel so sorry for. Our species are so-called civi- almost perfect. We have slides all over the prov- same entry: not just the First Nations; it’s ducted by the US Geological Sur- – – – lized intelligent humans and – – – ince where the pipeline will be everybody. thinking to justify vey points to an unprecedented I lived in a remote community yet our society lets this fos- I am against this pipeline proj- running through, areas prone Vessel aground; Roscoe Bay, We’re calling ourselves one living here. Why do spike in earthquake activity in Latin America. Shortly after sil fuel development cause so ect. I’m against it because we to slides. Supertankers destined Marine Park. Listing 30 degrees. country. This is time for us to we have to justify around the areas of intense oil settling in we received an invita- much destruction and slow, Fuel leaking out of the fuel are all part of this world. It’s not for China will be navigating our be one country and one people and gas production. They found tion to attend a village work bee. painful death for humans and tanks or the fuel vents. No boom to you that we don’t just going to affect Haida Gwaii. rugged coastline and prone to was employed.” to stand up for what is right. want any oil on our that there are earthquakes in as- Shovels in hand we arrived, sur- animals, and the environment. As the previous speakers have shipwrecks and accidents. Pic- And we’re fighting for our land beaches or in our sociation with locations where prised to see the work party was The technology is there to said, it’s going to affect every- ture the Exxon Valdez and the and our water and our chil- wastewater is being disposed of intended to fix the main access be had that is more environ- July 22, 2003: She hit the rocks, oceans? thing on the coast, but really, as Alaska coast that still hasn’t re- listed 45 degrees by the time dren’s children’s future. And underground. road to the community. mentally friendly; we just re- Susanne illustrated, it’s going covered. we got there. Point Race, Coast I’m thankful that you’ve given The report noted the average Naively I asked “but isn’t the fuse to use it. All this is so that to affect even further than that. – – – Guard 509, which was our crew, us a voice at least to have our number of minor quakes in the government responsible for fix- a few corporate members can We are all part of this world and I think there’s other technolo- put all our pumps on her. The say. US mid-continent has increased ing the road?” This got a good have money – more money in it’s going to hurt all of us for- gies, other things we can do. I vessel type, the Grand Banks, [Speaks in Haida] That Mary Disney steadily since 2001, culminating round of chuckles. So the people their bank accounts. ever. think that mankind has got a called Pipedreams. Pipedreams means we are all connected. ” in a six-fold jump in seismic ac- of the village who had cash paid I would recommend that I, like the speakers before – lot going for it, they just have to sank. No boom or equipment That’s not just me as a Haida. tivity in 2011. for gravel and machinery, and the JRP say no to the Northern was deployed. I don’t have grandchildren yet. realize that they’re more than That’s all people, all Canadi- A BC study was also launch- those without provided the la- Gateway Project on the pipe- I hope – but I really want my what we’ve been told, that there ans. And it’s time we all ac- ed after a series of minor quakes bour. [...] line, and do the right thing I can name off [more sinkings] great-grandchildren and my is a lot of good things that can during the time I was working knowledge that. were registered in the northeast It’s commonsense, of course, for all humanity and for gen- great-great-grandchildren and happen. for [the] Coast Guard Search corner of the province, an area and many revolutions began in erations to come. If you choose my great-great-great-grand- And I think if we open our and Rescue. My point [is], dur- historically clear of seismic ac- the same manner, but in Canada, to say yes to this project even children and on and on to enjoy minds to move to a new way, ing [this] time, at no time did I tivity. Between late 2009 and today, too many of us have been after all you’ve heard from so the food that I grew up with make a big change from the way see adequate training in spill the end of 2011, approximately rendered senseless and immo- many people, I’m sorry to say and that I continue to enjoy. we’ve been living the technolo- response. I did not see the clean- 31 quakes were registered in the bile in the delusion that since this, but you’ll have the death Right now, my heart is very gies – I think there’s other tech- up of spills or the deployment Etscho area, about 80 kilometres we live in a democratic devel- for many on your conscience heavy. As I think about the po- nologies that maybe we haven’t equipment when it should have north of Fort Nelson BC, with an- oped country our government and I know you don’t want this tential, I know that there will been privy to. I think they ex- been [and] human error was the other seven quakes registered in will take care of us as is its duty for yourself. be a spill. There’s not an if or a ist. I believe we should look for cause of all of these spills. the Tattoo area, about 50 kilome- and its mandate. maybe, there will, and we can’t more than the old way of doing tres further south. let it happen. things. 36 37 Oral Statement Hearing – Old Massett, June 2, 2012 Oral Statement Hearing – Old Massett, June 2, 2012 Submitted Submitted

Valine Crist Shirley Baker Margaret Edgars Ronald Gates David Thompson Ian Keir Kelsey Kricheldorf Peter Reynolds Both national and international You’ve already heard numer- The medicines were so plenti- I’m also concerned about Ca- Most of rural Alberta used coal The climate catastrophe that Once the first tanker sails it To be honest, it blows my mind laws acknowledge indigenous ous times, I’m sure, about the ful at one time. Now, because nadian economic interests, as for heat, as did we. The num- is occurring with rising levels will only be a matter of time that these hearings continue. peoples traditional territories dangers of Hecate Strait. I of the deer browsing and all was suggested also by a former bers being bandied about at the of greenhouse gases will cause before an accident occurs, his- How is it possible that some- and roles as stewards. In Ca- must admit that, when I first the introduced species that speaker. It concerns me as a time was that there were 1,000 climate mayhem. I find it quite tory proves this, and it could one hasn’t said, “Well, the nadian law, we as First Nations heard about this hearing I the government has put on to natural born citizen of Canada. years of natural gas and 10,000 amazing how short our memo- spell disaster for us here. The message couldn’t be louder or have constitutionally protected had an evil fantasy that Panel the island or other people that And I’ll quote just a few facts years of oil-sands oil based on ries are. The companies that harm caused by a spill would clearer?” I guess that’s it. Done rights to govern our ancestral members would travel to Hai- have moved here and brought here about the non-Canadian the early Syncrude numbers. are involved in the oil sand, En- not stop at the high tide line, deal. Call the whole thing off. territories. We’re not mere da Gwaii during the storm sea- to the island thinking that they investment in our oil sands de- The debate was about the rate bridge, and even our own Prime although that would be bad And I know that’s silly. stakeholders in potential large- son on BC Ferries. I felt one trip would be useful for us, have velopment. of development. Minister, have forgotten the un- enough. We now know that the There’s more to this then just scale development projects, but would resolve any concerns destroyed a lot of our precious In November of last year, I left Alberta to move to precedented and tragic climactic ocean and the forest are more the democratic process. We notably that is how we’ve been about whether the pipeline plants that have been helpful Thailand’s PTT Export and Haida Gwaii in 2007. By that events that have happened in the closely linked than we first be- don’t live in a pure democracy; categorized and treated in this was there and negate the need to our people whenever they Production agrees to pay 2.3 time, the number of years of last decade. lieved. we live in a capitalist democ- JRP process. for any further hearings. had sickness. billion for a 40 percent stake natural gas reserves had dwin- Nobody remembers the For example, when salmon racy. So capital sometimes The United Nations Decla- – – – Nowadays people want to in Statoil’s ASA’s oil sands proj- dled to 25, with the oil sands 70,000 people who died in heat return upstream to spawn speaks louder than people’s ration on the Rights of Indig- And Enbridge has given us nu- go out and just gather them ect. PennWest Energy Trust having received a guarantee of waves in Europe in 2003. Nobody some of them are caught by opinions. I mean, we could just enous Peoples affirms our en- merous statements saying we any old way. You’ve got to do sold a 45 percent stake in oil priority of availability. remembers the 2,000 Americans bears and the bears bring the hold a referendum – seems to titlement to self-determination don’t need to worry about this gathering with respect, es- sands properties near Peace Apparently Alberta had who lost their lives in hurricane salmon into the woods to eat me – and we could figure out and acknowledges our individ- pipeline – the pipeline and the pecially our medicine plants. River, Alberta to China Invest- used or sold 975 years’ worth Katrina. Human-caused climate them. The bones of the fish what BC wants and it’d be pret- ual and collective rights. tankers. They certainly are on You say a prayer or honour ment Corporation for 801 mil- of natural gas, a clean and ef- change is occurring, and this are left on the forest floor and ty clear. It seems pretty clear The declaration respects the solid ground when they say the plant when you go out and lion. ficient fuel, in just 35 years, pipeline will directly contribute they help to nourish young right now. relationship that we have with that they have no concerns gather it. You don’t just have Last August, Petro China much of it being used to fuel to that. trees. Eagles, ravens, raccoons, One [statistic] that’s out our ancestral lands and the about the tankers because anybody take it to your door. agreed to buy – purchase a 60 the oil sands facilities – – – and other opportunistic feed- there from the Polaris Insti- importance of our territories they’re not responsible for You have to go out and do it percent stake in two undevel- [...] As the oil booms moved It’s worth noting that there has ers have similar habits. tute is 804 pipeline spills be- to our health and well-being. them. The people responsible with respect and do it for the oped oil sands properties held through the area, young men been no recovery of the fisheries If an oil spill were to oc- tween 1999 and 2010. That’s It also acknowledges that we for those tankers are the tank- opposite clan. by Athabasca Oil Sands Cor- went to work in the oil field, in the Gulf of Mexico, where the cur, it would affect the salmon not little, tiny spills like some have the right to free, prior and er owners. So I’m having a hard time poration. In July of last year, many leaving their parents’ Deep Water Horizon oil platform which would affect the ani- people say, little droplets of oil informed consent before the As we all know, many com- with this because so many peo- Korea National Oil Corpora- farms. The family farms were exploded and leaked 4 million mals that eat them and that here and there, like they like to approval of any projects that mercial vessels sail under a ple have been thinking that tion paid 270 million for 100 increasingly run by the par- barrels of oil. It’s also worth not- in turn would affect the forest tell us, but it’s 160,000 barrels would affect our territories. flag of convenience in foreign they’re helping us, but not do- percent of Newmount Mining ents and grandparents alone ing that the new largest classes of environment in which these of hydrocarbons, and that’s [...] These responsibilities countries. Therefore, any hope ing it in a respectful way. Corporation’s Black Gold Oil who, as they grew older, often supertankers are capable of car- animals live. 804 spills in 11 years, so that’s have not been fulfilled and, in of obtaining compensation or Sands property. sold out to larger and larger rying roughly that amount of oil. This connection between about 80 a year. And wouldn’t fact, there are some 150 First assistance with clean-ups and In April of 2005, Enbridge corporate farms. [...] The combination of spilled the land and water may be you quit your job if that’s what Nations and bands that have of- such would involve interna- signed an agreement with The culture of valuing land, oil and chemical dispersants that difficult for us to see at times, you were up to? ficially opposed the Northern tional courts, potentially. Per- Petro China to ship oil on the your animals and the family’s were used in the cleanup has re- but I’m sure the bear can see [...] Other certainties in- Gateway to date. sonally I don’t think we’d ever planned Northern Gateway food security began to be dis- sulted in shrimp born without and feel it quite clearly. We as clude the introduction of see any money in my lifetime. pipeline. mantled. eyes, fish that were caught with humans are also a part of this alien species, these are other I was surrounded by a pop- lesions and oozing sores. connection and any harm done certainties of the tankers, in- ulation seemingly without the [...] Are we willing to risk the to the ocean will be done to troduction of alien species via ability to recall the times be- ecosystem and fisheries so some ourselves. ballast water discharge and tween the boom years. [...] oil companies can increase their oily bilge discharges. profits? Absolutely not.

38 39 Oral Statement Hearing – Old Massett, June 2, 2012 Oral Statement Hearing – Old Massett, June 2, 2012 submitted submitted submitted Allan Wilson

Anne Wells Debi Landon Daphne White Sophie Harrison Jusquan Mya Edenshaw Haana Edenshaw Jaalen Edenshaw What pressure is the Captain of First, Enbridge offers the prom- When I was a real young girl, The quality of the environment Amanda Bedard My name is Mya Edenshaw. I’m [My name is Haana Edenshaw] I hope as a lot of people have a foreign-owned tanker going ise of jobs. Although there is a I learned how to can fish. I we witnessed while trolling I was only seven years old at the 10 years old. I am in Grade 5. I I grew up eating Haida food. I mentioned, the government of to be facing when it comes to promise of significant person- learned how to preserve fish great swaths of British Colum- time [of the Lyell Island pro- am from the Ts’aahl clan. I love went out for seaweed all my Canada has done a lot to un- the decision to wait or make a years of employment in BC from from the river when we were bia’s rugged coast is immea- tests] and I was living in Prince to live here because I can swim life. I like to dig butter clams. I dermine the process and it’s run for it before the storm hits? the pipeline construction, these up at the inlet. Ayan was open surable. It is pristine, for the Rupert, but I remember the in the ocean and play on the am learning to dig razor clams. hard when you’re just looking Where on the risk matrix will jobs, though important, are only then and the Awan. most part, untouched as yet. negative backlash portrayed beach. Every two years, our school at it from the outside. But it the decision fall? short term. After construction, And I’ve canned deer meat, The mountains fall straight in the media against what the My favourite food is sea- goes through rediscovery and has such a huge effect on you. – – – Enbridge estimates that there smoked fish, dried fish. I’ve into the ocean, a vista that rep- Haida were doing. Many Cana- food. My dad and Tsiinnii Coo- we do a whole bunch of things I hope the government is Three incidents come to mind: will only be 78 permanent on- made jams from the berries resents what I love most about dians were extremely upset by per and my Tsiinnii Reilly go that involve the ocean. And going to take into good consid- One, we’re seeing strong reac- site jobs in BC. These jobs, I as- and there’s wild strawberries this place where I live. the loss of jobs that this stand out and get it. Sometimes they we would not be able to do the eration what you guys say and tions from the American public sume, will be in Kitimat with no from Rose Spit that it just sur- While the forests on land would result in, by the cessa- take me out to go fishing, too. If things we do there if there’s an I hope you guys take into con- fighting a land-based pipeline. If promise of jobs here. passes the strawberries you seemed stoic and silent, the tion of logging, by the negative there was an oil spill, I couldn’t oil spill. sideration what we say. they have concerns about pollu- Even with the conventional get in the store. And this area kelp forests at their feet were effect on the Canadian Econo- swim in the ocean, I couldn’t That said, it is my respon- tion on land, how do we expect multiplier effect, the project will where it is, it will be greatly teeming with life. We spent my. Many people were saying eat the seafood. I would have sibility to look after my family, to contain oil in the ocean? create only about 560 perma- impacted if there’s an oil spill. weeks chasing tiny salmon and things like “Haida use paper to eat the yucky food from the my daughter, my niece, all my The attitude that pollution nent jobs in BC. [...] Of course, I’ve picked our own teas and battling barn door halibut, re- products as well”, and other store. Haaw’a. nieces. And we cannot let this could simply be diluted went that would all change with an oil I’ve made medicines. And this turning each night to feast on arguments such as this. happen. This will not happen. out in the seventies when our spill. Then we’d have many peo- is the busiest time, the busiest seafood. However, despite the nega- As a Haida it is my responsibil- view of the globe changed as ple temporarily employed in the season that you’ve come here. With a childhood like that, tive press, the area was pro- ity to look after this land. As our knowledge increased and reclamation process, one where Lots of our people are out sea- it was hard for me not to care tected, paper products con- Haida people, we will not let we realized the spread of con- a 15-percent reclamation is con- weed picking. They’re up at deeply about the natural tinued to be made and the this happen. This is Haida land taminants across great distanc- sidered a success and something the rivers. world. When I entered UBC, I Canadian economy is much and this will not go through. es, witnessed the trees dying that has never been reached. [...] I’ve worked among studied biology and the natural better off, as instead of a bar- You know, we don’t want in Nova Scotia from acid rain But would it be enough to many of our people, and resource conservation. I met ren wasteland left by clear cuts conflict here. We hope that it produced in the United States’ make up for the 56,000 coastal they’re really good workers. students who had come from in the area of Gwaii Haanas, doesn’t come to that. But we manufacturing. jobs in the fisheries, recreation, And I would say there are 200 all over the world to study the there is the beautiful, interna- have no choice. This cannot Two, the Florida Horizon tourism, aquaculture, seafood plus workers employed. And many complex pristine eco- tionally renowned protected happen in our homeland. And spill should have taught us that processing, and marine sectors, some are fisherman that actu- systems of British Columbia. area that not only the Haida I don’t see how Canada could shortcuts are taken and are not which are the bread and butter ally bring the fish and the sea- Our reputation internationally nation, but all of Canada, is say that this is in the national easy to fix. There are areas of the of our Islands, as well as the rest food in for us to process. And precedes us, it seems. proud of. interest to pit region against Alaskan coast as well that are of the coast? there’s a razor clam industry This is a legacy left by those region and create this kind of still recovering from the Exxon In 2010, commercial fish- that’s been going for many, in the Haida Nation and their conflict. Valdez spill of 1989. ing and aquaculture in BC had many years, and a lot of our supporters, who stood up at I hope that cool heads pre- Three, the cities of the lower a wholesale value of approxi- Haida members are involved in the time and said no, regard- vail and it doesn’t come to that. mainland are scrambling about mately $1.4 billion, with 240 it. And if they are on a direct less of the naysayers and the cleanup [...] and liability issues million of that coming from the beach, that will be impacted as negative consequences. at the prospect of increased wild salmon stocks. On top of well as all of us if there’s an oil tanker traffic there. If these bod- that, there’s the sport fishing in- spill. It’s not only for our econ- ies are pointing out the dangers dustry, which supports approxi- omy, but it is our main source of tankers traffic, how do we mately 7,700 jobs and generates of food for all of us – all these think that we will be safe? $288 million per year in GDP. foods we gather.

40 41 Oral Statement Hearing – Old Massett, June 2, 2012 Oral Statement Hearing – Old Massett, June 2, 2012

Elvis Davis Taze Kowal Michelle Brown Jesse Condrotte via Caylene Bell David McLean Marina Jones Michelle Hagenson Haida Gwaii is one of the clean- I feel like we’re being attacked, As a health director, it’s really Michelle Brown My connection with Haida We’ve come here to listen and Years and years and years ago, To me, this disconnect with est places on earth, and we like our home is being threat- important that everybody un- The UN definition for genocide Gwaii is like glue. I grew up to watch this process because our ancestors, they didn’t want nature, with our Mother Earth, would like to keep it that way. ened. And then my adrena- derstand the local food here shows the following: ‘causing on the land and the beaches, this is democracy. This is what the radios to go. They didn’t is so much of the problem on It worries me that we were line is just pumping because is huge to the community [...]. serious bodily or mental harm the food, the language, the Canada is showing to the world want nothing to interrupt our planet today. People in the almost already brought to ex- I feel like you guys are trying Access to local food, clean to members of the group’, culture, the water, and the as an open discussion about when there was time for death. city can spend their lives never tinction by smallpox and now to harm us and my family. And beaches and water, as well as which you would no doubt be people of this community. I’ve the future of this project and Today is an important day. To- touching the earth, never get- we have to fight to save the that’s just not going to happen, the trees, the cedar, the ber- doing. And once all the fish been to two camps on the Is- I think it’s vital that students day is a golden opportunity. ting their hands dirty, always food we survive on. One oil never. ries, all of the food gathering, die, large pieces of culture will lands, Rediscovery and the one are aware of this process so Today is a blessed day because that piece of cement in be- spill can destroy all that. When Like I don’t know, you guys the animals on the island. be blurred and stories, crafts I connected with more, it was they can watch it up close and we stand on holy ground. tween foot and ground. Water are you going to learn that our want to make money, you’re Supertankers carrying crude and techniques will have no around Kyusta, my clan’s origi- really understand how and – – – is something that comes out of kids are going to ask, “why did here to make money. So it oil are a danger to the boats, the way of being passed down. nal village, and the other camp why – how Canada is dealing One time it was small pox that a tap, food something from a you help kill the living things? makes sense to me that if it’s fish, the crabs. Even if there’s And again, the Declaration was Mount Moresby, which was with other opinions, and also killed our people, one time it store wrapped in a cellophane Are you the reason there’s no money you want, you just turn no spill there is still a danger to of Human Rights mentions so fun. dealing in ways with First Na- was small pox; let’s not let it be or in a can or in a box. food on the store shelves?” around and walk away and go have those huge supertankers how all the people have access I loved kayaking and canoe- tions and the value of the land an oil spill that’s going to kill us. As humans, when we lose I think you should ask, how somewhere else because it’s just out there, but I do believe to necessary social services, ing. They were both very fun and stewardship, environmen- Being involved with Lily this connection with our plan- do you cook money and what not going to happen, ever. there will be a spill if those tank- such as fishing, swimming and and interesting and taught me tal issues, cultural issues; the [Bell], it’s the hardest time. et, our very existence begins does it taste like? Please try to ers are here. cultural aspects of all the Hai- a lot about stewardship and diversity [...] How [is it] going Our caskets would be laid right to deteriorate and we no lon- listen to what everyone is try- Many people in our com- da, which will be put in huge preserving this beautiful island to have a mature relationship here when we would walk into ger see ourselves as part of the ing to say from their hearts. munity are suffering from dia- danger by this project. we call home. This proposal with people that have been the hall. Our hearts are broken earth, but separate from it. We have been taught by our betes, heart disease, cancer, And before you can men- will affect many, me, my fam- here for thousands of years. but we have to be – we try to I’m also a Canadian. Being ancestors to protect all liv- many other processed foods tion how you promise noth- ily, the community, but most of [...] I want you to imagine a be strong for our people. It’s a Canadian today, I find myself ing things and we’ve done the and our environment has al- ing is going to happen look all the culture and ocean. court in Genesis, in the Bible, hard thing. filled with embarrassment best of our ability even though ready been so severely dam- at the track record, 804 spills [...] This project will affect where they are deciding the If there’s going to be no mixed with shame and guilt. we’ve had so much obstacles in aged. People have a right to ac- in 11 years and 1,680,000 gal- my family, the community, and fate of the Garden of Eden, and more listening to the eagles, We need to move beyond the our path. cess healthy food and a healthy lons, and that’s only what’s re- me. This will affect me and there’s a Panel. And the Panel the ravens, imagine how it’s rape and pillage of resource If you read the Bible, greed environment. [...] healthy food corded. Who’s to say that there my family by not being able has to discuss why the Garden going to be. Our children are extraction, to a way that bet- will destroy the world and you does not come to us on the weren’t large spills up to 1,000 to have fun together on the of Eden is to be kept. going to be crying; “Naan, what ter ensures the sustainabil- find that it is true. And it says ferry. We have to gather it. [...] gallons that went undocu- beach or go seafood collecting. This mythical story where are we going to eat today”; no ity of our resources for several it right in the Bible. So please All that processed food is not mented because some workers This will affect my community we set up technology and more preparing sockeye. years to come. But this project stop destroying everything in healthy and all of the fresh were afraid of losing their jobs by being a loss of more than we’re capturing the voices and Our little boy, our great is more of the same; rape, pil- your path for the sake of greed. food that comes on the ferry is over a potential crisis. half of our culture if there was we’re trying to do the right grandson, he said, “Naan, can lage, devastate, destroy. Listen to what everyone is ask- rotten by the time it gets to us. And even if, God forbid, a spill, the food and activity of thing with all of our scientific you bring out the black gold?” Water. No living creature can ing you; no to Enbridge, and People here live off the land Enbridge’s pipeline does go the ocean. wisdom and all the best minds, The black gold is the seaweed. do without this most precious save our waters and land for and the oceans and it’s their through, it would take up to [...] I think the Panel should trying to decide whether the And I love to listen to our chil- resource. Tell me I can no lon- future children. right. That right cannot be tak- but not limited to, 20 years for cancel the Project, save the Garden of Eden should be here dren crunch on that seaweed. ger travel, that I could never set en away. The government does them to get their money back land, the ocean, the culture, anymore. I love to see them eating the foot in an aircraft again, sure, it not have the right to take away from the Asian market after community and families fight- sockeye, the halibut. I love to would be a lifestyle change, but our chance to live healthy and building expenses, worker fees ing to stop the pipeline. just prepare something that’s I would have my health and I on the land where we belong. and maybe even lawsuits. important to us. would carry forward and make do with that change.

42 43 Oral Statement Hearing – Old Massett, June 2, 2012 Oral Statement Hearing – Old Massett, June 2, 2012 Pat Moss submitted submitted submitted

Jenny Nelson Crystal Robinson Zoe Sikora Michael McQuade Jack Litrell Jennifer White Aaron Riis Meredith Adams It took six years of negotiation, I had brain surgery 10 years I’ll preface my statements here My father taught me to fish for I’m not a scientist or a profession- My first example is the sea ot- From growing up off the grid I have been tear-gassed by riot po- as Amanda had said, between ago June 21st. The two options today by saying that I have some Atlantic salmon before I was al analyst but the government has ters. These wonderful, playful, on Quadra Island to catching lice in two countries and arrested Haida and Canada. And Parks I was given, you will be a veg- grave misgivings about the ef- even school age. And I saw the said that this pipeline is in the na- beautifully furred creatures eulachons in Kimano River for environmental activism seven Canada states in their website etable or you’re going to die. fectiveness of these proceedings. devastation of industries from tional interest, that the Canadian numbered between 100 and as a child, eulachons which I times in four countries, and I’ve that “both parties agreed” , I am But Saa ‘Laana gave me this First of all, Prime Minister Harper hydroelectric dams and subse- economy depends on it. I question 150,000 on the northwest coast understand are disappearing witnessed the effects of industrial quoting here: chance to be here to speak to has made it very clear that he ful- quent ignorance of the migra- that assumption. I think the econ- in 1740. Between then and 1911 now, to fishing the Skeena as mayhem on five continents. And “… that long-term protec- you to say that this isn’t an ly supports Enbridge’s proposed tory paths choke the salmon to omy will always go up and down, when commercial hunting was a young adult, the bottom line I have lived and fought for years tive measure were essential to option for us. We need to live Northern Gateway pipeline. near extinction. This destruc- but the impact of an oil spill will stopped, approximately half a for me, living here, if the glob- with grief from the feeling of help- safeguard Gwaii Haanas as one forever. We need to live for Next, to ensure that legiti- tion was my childhood and I do last for generations. The effects of million sea otters were hunted al economy were to collapse I lessness and hopelessness trying of the world’s great natural this generations future, and mate environmental concerns not want this to be my children’s the Exxon spill are still apparent to near extinction, driven by a can still go to the beach and to stem the drive of industry. [...]So and cultural treasures, the only that’s why I’m here, is to speak are easily swept aside, the Con- childhood. after 23 years. Chinese economy hungry for feed my family and myself. I settled down and found a home, place on earth to be protected for the food that we bring, the servative government has eased I see that the only reason it I also wonder how the sale of the fur pelts. That same Chinese – – – but now this danger is threaten- from mountain top to sea floor.” food that we gather, the food up on the regulation surround- hasn’t happened here yet is that, our resources to China will impact economy today is hungry for The debris from the tragic ing my home and I won’t sit this Across on the mainland that we embrace so much, that ing fish habitat and what con- luckily, we’re 100 years smarter on our prices for oil products as our oil. tsunami in Japan last year one out. I will fight. is the Great Bear Rainforest, we hold up so high. stitutes a threatened or endan- and reviews like this are manda- we move forward. And I question The sea otters were part of that is currently arriving on My son, Fisher, is here today one-quarter of the world’s last – – – gered species. tory to keep citizens from being why fueling the Chinese economy an important, interdependent our shores raises two impor- because I want him to know that ancient coastal temperate rain- And I remember my Naanii Ag- The Conservative govern- slaves to the industry and sacri- is a good idea, supporting a coun- habitat. Kelp forests need sea tant concerns for me. One, I tried. When he helps me raise forest, home of BC’s provincial nes doing ceremonies every- ment has, retroactively I might ficing our home in fear of a com- try with a poor human rights otters, small fish need kelp for- the northern Pacific current wind turbines and hook up solar animal, the white spirit bear. day for her naanii and tsiinnii add, put finite deadlines on envi- munity with no jobs. track record, a country with ests, and the loss of the otter to flows towards our shores, not panels for our neighbours, he’ll The agreement to create who passed before us. She’d ronmental investigations and in- The threat of employment is known pollution problems that the marine community had dra- away, so any oil spill would be know that we tried. And when the Great Bear Rainforest was make a plate of food, of tra- formation gathering for projects, actually a moot point, as we’re are growing, and also a manufac- matic effects. pushed towards us, not out to he watches me get dragged off amongst stakeholders that in- ditional food that she’d make such as this proposed pipeline, asked to take all the risk here turer of inexpensive poorly made Will the sea otters return? sea. to jail for protesting the North- cluded First Nations and provin- everyday and she’d put it in and other projects. with none of the jobs. How can goods that wind up in landfills. [...] The return of the otters is Number two, living in a ern Gateway Pipeline Project, cial government, forestry indus- the stove because she said they Finally, the government and we be expected to support this And with that type of product, it’s possible and the lesson is simple: seismically active zone like he’ll remember that I tried. And try, and environmental groups. were always hungry. Enbridge supporters have been terribly planned, environmen- always cheaper to buy something if something goes away or is de- the west coast, a similar tsu- if that day does come when we They agreed to protect 33 per- Eulachon grease was used quite successful in pointing out tally disturbing and inevitably new than to repair it and I don’t stroyed in our ecosystem it may nami combined with the very have to put on hazmat suits to cent and commit to ecosystem- for trading for us. We use it for that some environmental sup- devastating project? This is not think it’s a good responsible atti- take a century or more for it to shallow waters of the Hecate try and clean up the beaches, we based forestry management. the flu, it’s our medicine [...] port groups get some of their creating an industry, but rather, tude for the future. return, if it ever does so. Straight, I fear, could over- will at least be able to say, “We And all of these sectors invested where will we go when we lose financial support from people another case of inadequately I’ve also heard that the gov- – – – whelm the largest oil tankers tried”. a lot to reach this agreement. all our medicine and our food and of groups outside of Canada. processing and improperly dis- ernment says that those opposing Prove to us by careful and regardless of tugboats. With With respect to the panel In between, of course, is the and our sustenance? Who will They fail to mention that all their tributing a resource. the pipeline are foreign radicals thoughtful deliberation that the number of tankers being members as individuals, I find Hecate Strait described by Envi- we be? It’s genocide; it will be funding is publicly declared and So in conclusion, fishing and that the Canadian environ- this review process is not a done proposed, the likelihood of one it difficult to believe in the rel- ronment Canada as “the world’s complete genocide. available online. and surfing are not weekend mental groups are being funded deal. If you wonder why some being in Hecate Strait or Dixon evance of this review process fourth most dangerous waters”. They do not, however, men- pastimes for me. It’s my life. by foreign money. I also wonder if people have not come forward, Entrance when a tsunami hit and nearly withdrew my regis- Shallow oil drilling explora- tion how much money has been The thought of these waters Canada has a financial investment they likely believe that the fix is would be high. We can control tration to speak. The message I tions in the Hecate recorded 65 invested by foreign countries polluted with bitumen and me in this project. I don’t feel that this in from the federal government pipelines and tankers. We can- have for you to add to your re- to 60 foot waves and one rogue and corporations into extract- unable to enter them to surf or is a local concern that just has to and I want you to prove them not control earthquakes and view is one more resounding no wave of 100 feet. And this, then, ing, transporting, and selling the gather food is the most depress- do with BC or Canada or Alberta wrong. I want you to look at an- tsunamis. [...]. is the proposed tanker route. bitumen that is being mined in ing thought I can have. If these or Haida Gwaii. cient rights, and be zealous in northern Alberta. waters are to die, so will I. your protection of those rights.

44 45 Oral Statements – Skidegate, June 13, 2012

Skidegate June 13, 2012 Oral Statements

Lindsey Doerksen Colin Davies Roberta Olson Geoffrey Greene Shyla Cross George Farrell Donnette Farrell There’s a lot of reasons that I’ve been fishing for years I was raised with my broth- As my mother says, and the I come from a family of fish- It’s been mentioned here be- My name is Donnette Farrell, I’m opposed to this project. We and gathering food from our ers and sisters as a good food panel has heard, this is all ermen. My maternal chinaay fore to you today already, the and I’ve lived here most of my I have been blessed all know the world needs oil. oceans here; I wouldn’t want to gatherer. My parents were Jack about resources. You’ve heard and my mom’s brothers were legacy of Athlii Gwaii, and I life. to share “my passion I’m not living in a bubble that see that lost. I have a nephew and Mildred. In our growing- – the panel has heard all along all seine fishers, and my dad’s think this pipeline and the - - - for this place with says otherwise. My boat needs who – he’s in the fishing indus- up life, all I recall through the trail how we not only sur- family excelled in halibut fish- threat of oil tankers, the pro- And because of the Exxon Val- visitors who come fuel, my truck needs fuel. But try. He’s just young and I’d like summer holidays was we were vive, but we thrive against all ing and clam digging. My chi- posal has a benefit that is it dez still not being cleaned up here. And without a it’s a question of at what cost; a to see him continue to be able gone for the full summer. My odds. And today we’re talking naay Dempsey and his friend, will bring us – it has already and people not being compen- doubt, every single few jobs today, a great deal for to fish. I just – I see no benefit dad would pack us up in his about short-term resources Roy Jones Sr., started up the brought us together. sated, I don’t really have a lot whoever is buying this stuff of this pipeline for a few jobs. trawler and go through the versus all of us in here and our legalized commercial fishery - - - of trust in big oil companies person who I have at rock-bottom prices. But – I Oil isn’t sustainable. Fishing west coast or go down south long-term resources. of herring roe-on-kelp on the And I remind the government and corporations and I’m here spoken to as a visi- mean, there’s going to be a is sustainable if looked after towards Burnaby Narrows. coast in the mid-seventies. of Canada of Athlii Gwaii and today to say no. tor has said, “I have time in the future, a not so dis- properly. [ … ] we’d spend the whole - - - the strength of these people. always wanted to tant future when we’re going summer collecting every type My dad has a big part in teach- I’ve met – I’ve experienced it come here.” There to need that oil for domestic of food, canning, drying, smok- ing me traditional ways. With myself many times on the bas- is a special place in concerns. ing, and that was our winter him I go fishing for halibut and ketball court. - - - food. salmon, clam digging, hunting people’s hearts for My whole life I’ve just watched We never – I can’t ever re- for octopus, picking seaweed, Haida Gwaii. the systematic gutting of the call having beef or pork or crabbing and hunting. Fisheries Act and the govern- chicken on our table. It was all - - - ment’s total inability to even seafood. Most nights of the week my do what they’re supposed to family and I eat seafood for Carolyn Hesseltine do, which is conserve and pro- dinner. I like to think that we ” tect our resources. And this is are being spoiled with the just evident with all the past huge abundance of seafood hydro projects and, more re- right in our own front yard. cently, fish farms and aquacul- There are some families that ture on our coast. fully depend on the grocery And this is just another ex- store for their meats but be- ample of the government not cause I grew up eating mostly listening to what – the people seafood I don’t eat much pro- that are affected and will be af- cessed meat. fected by oil spills of any sort of magnitude. And recent glob- al events have pretty much showed us what can happen and what will happen.

46 47 Oral Statements – Skidegate, June 13, 2012 Oral Statements – Skidegate, June 13, 2012

Carolyn Hesseltine Cacilia Honisch Gerry Leminksi Nick Reynolds Barrett Johnson Robert Prudhomme Gary Wunsch Kye Borserio I have been blessed to share So I feel very strong about the So what this project will bring, And there’s a generosity that [ … ] I moved to this island in We should also look at the com- Humanity over the past hun- [ … ] Every time I saw a bear my passion for this place with threat that we are facing now along with the oil spill and the seemed to permeate through 2005 after having visited dur- position of condensate or dilu- dred years has become so hy- looking for food in the inter- visitors who come here. And with the whole island, with devastation, cultural, environ- the community, which was ing the winter the year before. ent as it is called. Often found drocarbon dependent that tidal or fish bones on the side without a doubt, every single our wonderful Haida people. mental, and everything, is it’s rooted in the place. And it I came here for the ocean and I in condensate are hydrogen we’ve gone from symbiotic to of the riverbank or salmon fry person who I have spoken to And listening to their speeches going to bring the bilge water strikes me that when you’re came here for the wilderness. sulfide, mercaptan, carbon di- parasitic. We’re chewing this in the streams or eagles soar- as a visitor has said, “I have makes me aware of how much from all those tankers. And surrounded by a place that’s I stayed though for the people. oxide, alkanes, cyclohexane, world up and turning it into ing above me, I felt a responsi- always wanted to come here.” they are dependent on the these are huge VLCCs with, I always giving, whether it’s The people here are different, and other naphthenes, and of crud. We’re killing species and bility. All of you who have been There is a special place in peo- ocean. And I certainly – when I think, 200 million barrel ca- the beaches or the streams or some are quite different, but course the aromatics which exterminating species one af- 19 know that responsibility at ple’s hearts for Haida Gwaii, got to the beach, and that’s al- pacity and they’re going to the berries, that the people what makes the people who include benzenes, toluene, xy- ter the other, and we know it. my age is kind of a terrifying and many people don’t un- most every day, it’s a wonder- be dumping their bilge water, themselves become generous. they are is the place that sur- lenes and ethylbenzenes. And it’s not just big com- thing but, to me, a more ter- derstand why and don’t know ful experience. And I realize introducing toxins, pollutants There’s this sort of mimicry of rounds them. I truly, truly be- - - - panies or government; each rifying alternative would be to why, myself included. how dependent we are on the from the stuff that runs off your surroundings. Not always lieve that. While all of the above com- individual person has a re- have not have felt that. [ … ] So it’s important for each ocean since it’s all around us. from the engines and intro- happy, but generous. When pounds present some dan- sponsibility to take the health I truly can’t stress enough and every one of us to remem- duce species from different someone drops off a tote of gers in high concentrations, of the environment as a guid- the number of risks this proj- ber why we live here and what parts of the world. fish on your front porch with- the one to be most concerned ing factor in everything we do. ect poses on our coast and on is important to us here. And - - - out any strings attached, you about is benzene. […] The US I mean every time we turn on Haida Gwaii. We’d be taking it’s not money. It’s about fam- And Haida Gwaii has a very know, what is that if not true Department of Health and Hu- the key in our car we have to all the risks with zero benefit. ily; it’s about community; it’s unique ecosystem; we have generosity. man Services classifies ben- realize that we’re taking hy- We’d be gambling everything, about the land; it’s about all of animals here and variants and zenes as a human carcinogen. drogen out of a petrochemical, our communities, our coastal us. species of animals that don’t Long-term exposure to exces- combining it with oxygen out culture, and almost every facet exist anywhere else. It’s my sive levels of benzene in the air of the atmosphere and locking of everyday lives. […] point that these bilge flushings causes leukemia, a potentially it into a molecule that cannot Some people rely on the alone are enough to destroy fatal cancer of the blood-form- be reversed by the world’s en- money in their bank account and negatively affect every- ing organs in susceptible indi- vironmental ecosystem. to survive. Our bank is the thing, you know, in this whole viduals. ocean. Our money is the food it climate here. Human exposure to ben- provides. And our insurance is zene is a global health prob- the respect we show it. lem. Benzene targets liver, kid- ney, lung, heart, and the brain, and can see DNA strand breaks, chromosomal damage, etc. Benzene causes cancer in both animals and humans. Benzene has been shown to cause can- cer in both sexes of multiple species of laboratory animals exposed via various routes.

48 49 Oral Statements – Skidegate, June 13, 2012 Oral Statements – Skidegate, June 13, 2012

Marcia Watkins Dale Lore Roy Jones Jr Jenny Cross Stephanie Fung Jonathan Christine Rowan Oliver Kollar As an elementary teacher my My children wanted to learn When I speak today, I don’t Since February, the children I grew up surrounded by the Dunsmore We spend a lot of time as a fam- As a first year teacher [last yearly program is organized how to live off the land as they speak about what’s in it for me. worked very hard on their ocean too but on an island in [ … ] I moved here and slowly ily together. We spend a lot of year] was the first graduation around natural lifecycles and hit, say 15 and 16. They thought I speak about what’s in it for ocean storyline performance the middle of the Atlantic. Over started building my life here. time on the beach. Many eve- ceremony I had attended on cultural relevant curriculum. they could learn it in three my grandchildren. What’s in for today. Their power of state- the years, I tried living in many And it’s been incredible to say nings in the summer are spent Haida Gwaii. I was immediately I love it and the students love months. It was quite funny at their future, and it’s been very ment is in their Haida dancing places. I have lived in Central the least. And again, it’s diffi- around a campfire where we struck by the number of peo- learning those things, but it’s the time, but we started going hard when I take a look into a and they just want to ensure Canada, in the Maritimes, in cult to articulate just how in- quite often eat beautifully pre- ple in attendance. Our gradu- not merely my choice. out, I took them by canoe out bleak future with the big flash- that our precious culture and Asia, in Northern Europe. I credible it is. Every day is an pared salmon. ating class consisted of 23 […] We’re directed that 30 to Juskatla Narrows because ing lights of Enbridge on it and the many sea creatures, birds lived in the Lower Mainland adventure. The other night, we all got students, yet the gym was full to 40 percent of our lessons be we instituted a thing out there I can see nothing and that puts and animals of which we hold for quite a while [...], and I even I was able to find work over together as a family and with with over 250 people. Parents, culturally responsive. So that to teach them, and it’s called fear in my heart because, last in very high regard had a voice spent a year living in Central the next few years, in the sum- dear friends and had a dinner family, friends and community means that 30 to 40 percent of “The 100-metre Diet.” year, I had great joy in taking through traditional Haida America, somewhere in there mers at least, as a kayak guide of naw burgers and k’aaw. I members, teachers were there what we do – what we – what They choose where we my grandsons out the west dance. as well. But it wasn’t until I ar- in Gwaii Haanas, as well as do- have two younger nieces new to witness our students receive we teach – must be relevant came for the trip, but every- coast fishing for spring salmon Our drums are silenced. We rived on Haida Gwaii that I felt ing boat tours. to the family. The oldest of their diplomas. to Haida culture, technology, thing that we eat has to come as my grandfather took me are heartbroken and very dis- that I had found a place where And this was hands down them, she absolutely devoured It showed me the huge in- relationship to the land, food from within 100 metres of out, my Dad, my uncles. These appointed that we have been my spirit felt at home. the most incredible job I’ve the k’aaw all night. She just vestment a community makes gathering, seasonal activities, where they choose to camp. It are generational things that go deterred [from presenting] ever had in my life. You go out couldn’t get enough of it. to see our children graduate. art, et cetera. doesn’t take very long to figure on and on and on and all that our strong opposition to the with people from all over the And I felt really good know- Students work hard to get […] In my years of teaching out they need to get their pro- could disappear in one act, if proposed pipeline by the JRP’s world, doing something that ing that she was eating some- where they are but they have on Haida Gwaii, I have always tein first. That’s fish, right? It’s any kind of act that creates a strict rules and guidelines. We I love, sharing the place with thing so healthy that came out also received countless acts of been supported by parents in an incredibly rich area for sea- horrible, horrible spill. gather strength and wisdom people and everyone is so hap- of our oceans, that had been help and guidance from the teaching about the intertidal run cutthroat. [...] But we have from our ancestors before us py. It doesn’t matter how hard freshly picked the day before people around them. and ocean life of Haida Gwaii. four kelp beds in there a mile to ensure our way of life and it’s raining or how strong the and wasn’t tainted by oil or The things the kids remember square in shallow waters and culture carries forward to the winds are blowing, everyone’s chemicals that perhaps had are the outings. The dock proj- 12 known currents. next generations, just as we just got this big smile on their leached into our waters. ect, where we kept settlement - - - wish to preserve our pristine face and they’re just so excited plates year after year to study […] I’ve been political, I’ve been and majestic paradise islands to be here. the marine life that grew and at the court, if you come out of Haida Gwaii for generations - - - changed over the years. and say no, [...] it’s not like it’s to come. So I just want to make it very The trips to Tarundle Creek a worthless thing to do because clear that I’m opposed to the to watch the creek just thick when it comes to the Supreme Northern Gateway Project. with spawning chum salmon, Court, the federal government And just speaking of my own walks into the old forests, and cannot use the heartfelt testi- experiences, I found a life here trips to Copper Bay to learn mony you’ve heard [...] from the that is incredibly fulfilling, about salmon fishing and pre- people of the coast as consulta- incredibly meaningful, and serving. The kids absolutely tion if they overrule you. There- something that I just wasn’t love these trips, and being – fore, it’ll save us six months of finding anywhere else. […] and just being outside discovering beating on heads in the court. definitely coming up here was the natural world. [...] Like, you’ll make life a heck the least I could do to say “No” of a lot easier if you force Harper to Enbridge. to overrule you.

50 51 Oral Statements – Skidegate, June 13, 2012 Oral Statements – Skidegate, June 14, 2012 Pat Moss

Skidegate June 14, 2012 Oral Statements

Preet Lidder John C. Wesley Alexander Barbara Wilson Heidi Richardson Kelsey Pelton Sue Brown It doesn’t take very long in a This island, at one time, fed a MacDonald In my lifetime, we have gone My family proudly owns and As Haida people, we believe Spring is a time for the most place like this to feel the ur- nation of over 30,000 persons It’s incredible that we could from not being recognized as operates Richardson Ranch. that everything is connected. amazing spectacles. When the gency, the significance and the from the beaches and the for- continue along this path as Canadians, not being able to My family has grown up work- This is not a myth, this is fact. herring come in to spawn, ev- responsibility that we all have est. The beaches being the Everyone has his or long as we have, and yet we vote. When the Indian Act was ing the land and raising cattle By damaging our ocean our ery creature on land and sea to take a stand against a proj- most important. Everything her own“ personal continue on it still. I shake imposed on our ancestors, and as a way of income. We have entire culture would crumble. comes in to feast. I once saw a ect and a decision made at the down there has a part in the connection with the my head. And I recognize the thereby us, we became wards raised purebred polled Here- The language, the food, the flock of loons so big it sounded hands of a few that will nega- chain of life and all it takes is ocean. Some love it people that are making the of the government. Even now, fords since the 1980s. We strive ceremonies, and the teaching like a traffic jam in Vancouver. one cut of that chain to unrav- tively impact so many. for its beauty, some decisions are very intelligent, we still have the hangover for excellence in our herd and and learning of traditions will I was told loons don’t normally […] The young people here el the whole thing. I’ve been from residential schools, ideas, we do so within the environ- disappear if our ocean were flock like that, or at least no on love sailing on it, highly intelligent. So it’s not on Haida Gwaii have an inti- asked if I support this or not a question of the people be- churches, and laws that were ment around us. ever polluted. has ever been there to witness mate, deep understanding and support this, and I say “No”. some love the crea- ing wrong. I think it is the ba- imposed on our lands and wa- The Tlell River runs right - - - it; I was. appreciation for their environ- tures that live in it, sis for which they are making ter. through our land. It is a tour- Everyone has his or her own Hundreds – no thousands ment. I’ve been humbled and some love floating their decision is so profoundly In spite of all those things, ist and local fishing attraction. personal connection with of seabirds coming to feed, impressed by their knowledge on it, and some love flawed that there needs to be a our ancestors, and now our It is one of the main sources of the ocean. Some love it for its whales, sea lions, seals, salm- of the land, forest and sea that leaping into it, but paradigm shift in the way that elders and our young people drinking water for our cows. beauty, some love sailing on it, on, even bears arrive in an- they have acquired by the have, in one way or another, Our own drinking wells are ticipation of the end of winter the bottom love is the system works, the expres- some love the creatures that members of the community, sion of value that we place on stood firm on who owns these also very close near the river. live in it, some love floating hunger and the beginning of everyone by tradition, and their own cu- that loves the environment and on the lands and waters. As owners, The grazing fields around the on it, and some love leaping the summer’s abundance. riosity and exploration of their it. It doesn’t matter natural resources. we have worked to protect and ranch also benefit from this into it, but the bottom love is We once paddled over a home. why, but it matters I’m not one to say that we use these things with respect river during high tides, as it that everyone loves it. It doesn’t herring ball at night. It was like - - - what we do about can live and not kill – not dam- and thinking about what we gives us extra nutrients from matter why, but it matters flying over a giant disco ball lit You have already witnessed in it. When you love age the environment, I under- will leave as our legacy for fu- the ocean water that comes up what we do about it. When you up by the phosphorescence in March and will witness in these something, you have stand that there is a trade-off ture generations. the river. love something, you have to the ocean. We saw 100 eagles ------take care of it. all take off at the same time in two days some of our students to take care of it. that needs to be made. I’m just come out to speak with cour- saying that the bar is – where I have learned that our re- My family has been through Haida Gwaii is a special the confined space of Burnaby age and a critical conscious- it’s placed is ridiculous. That lationship and life on Haida many changes in our lifetime, place. If you have visited, Narrows. ness to have their voices heard there need be far more con- Gwaii and our relationship and I will not be one to sit on moved here, lived here forev- Huge grey whales navigat- because these young individu- sideration, for what sadly are with other coastal nations the sidelines watching this er, you know exactly what I’m ing those same narrows at high als are not afraid to confront, Kelsey Pelton considered esoteric values to hasn’t always been one of tur- pipeline corrupting my fam- talking about. Haida Gwaii is tide; islands of seabirds in their ” moil, but we have had peace ily’s livelihood. Healthy land unique and pristine. There are mating plumage calling out to to enter in dialogue, and com- nature and the environment. mit themselves to fight for treaties with most of the coast- equals a healthy lifestyle. no words that can explain this. each other and the sound car- what they believe is unjust, al communities and nations, The essence of Haida Gwaii rying for miles over the quiet to advocate for themselves, ensuring safety, access to food, can’t be captured in words; it’s water. their families, their communi- and the ability to trade with purely a feeling and a sense of ties and their environment. It ease. being. is because of these students, and the collective community in which they belong to, that I found the courage here today to speak in front of you, the panel.

52 53 Oral Statement Hearing – Skidegate, June 14, 2012 Oral Statement Hearing – Skidegate, June 14, 2012 Pat Moss

Ceitlynn Epners Carl Coffey Brandon Gibbard Keith Moore Mariken Van Gurp Catherine Garrett Sarah Peerless Russell Fleming Between 2003 and 2009, I As soon as I arrived I could feel [ … ] I love this culture. I love Throughout the course of my [ … ] we are part of the ecosys- I’m currently in grade 10 at On Enbridge’s official -web Yesterday our grade 8 class worked and volunteered the magic of the islands and the land, I love the people. life, I’ve traveled to 68 different tem. The ocean provides us Queen Charlotte Secondary site, I encountered the follow- from Gidgalang Kuuyas Naay, studying seabirds and shore I fell in love with the natural There’s just nothing else more countries around the world, so with food and transportation School. I’m here today to voice ing statement, which I quote: Queen Charlotte Secondary birds in Laskeek Bay on Haida beauty, the pristine beaches, that I could say to express how I’ve witnessed resource devel- and also things like purpose, my opinion on the Enbridge “Judge us by what we’ve done School, went out to the Haana Gwaii. I’ve had the privilege the abundant sea life, and with I feel. And to have that taken opments, very good to very inspiration, and culture. We Northern Gateway Pipeline. I through our 60-year history. River, just west of Charlotte of sitting in a seabird colony the generous and friendly Hai- away would – like I said – be bad, in a lot of different situa- are stewards of the sea, and just want to say I do not sup- Safety is our highest priority. to release the salmon fry that at night and witnessing the da people who welcomed me heartbreaking because to go tions. My perspectives on En- if we mismanage this, we will port this project for many rea- No accident is ever acceptable. we’ve been helping to raise in symphony, or some would into their lives. to a potlatch, have all these bridge have been shaped by suffer. sons. Our objective is to avoid spills.” our school aquarium and I was say racket, of the birds. I’ve - - - processed foods instead of the resource management ex------[...] there were 804 spills telling this one student on the counted groups of hundreds of Fishing has been my liveli- seafood, it wouldn’t be fun. pertise and background and by What I would like to spend my Haida Gwaii has been referred [between 1999 – 2010], spilling walk back how it’s the same seabirds on Hecate Strait. hood. I’ve gillnetted herring It wouldn’t be who we are as my international travel expe- time today telling you is how to as the Galapagos of the over 26.81 million litres of hy- river, the Hanna, where we get And over the years I’ve and salmon, halibut fished but people. riences, as well as my life here important an intact environ- north. The ecosystems found drocarbons into the environ- our drinking water in Queen watched hundreds of fluffy, mostly trawled salmon on the So I am heavily opposed on Haida Gwaii. ment is to our health and how on the Island are very complex ment. Charlotte. tiny, ancient murrelet chicks west coast, the Hecate Strait to this pipeline, not only to - - - unwise it would be to risk our and unique. We are very lucky To put that into perspec- Have you ever set free a coming out of their forest bur- and Dixon Entrance. And one protect my future but to pro- The concept of managing re- health and environment for to have a diverse population of tive, an average large milk tiny creature when it has been rows, running through the for- never forgets that first spring tect futures after my future. I sources on the basis of how the sake of some extra tax rev- plants and animals here, some carton contains 4 litres; that’s depending on you for quite ests at night, and jumping into salmon you catch, wild and want to be a great elder, such much money we can find to enue, which, as far as I can tell, of which are indigenous to the 6,702,400 four-litre jugs of oil. some time? Have you ever felt the ocean to meet with their free and nourishing to eat. as many here today, that have put into them, and how fast we is the only benefit to Canadi- Islands. And yet, on Enbridge’s web- the twinge of regret knowing parents and set out in search I was mentored by Haida protected our lands and our can manage to extract them, ans for this project. For example, we have a site, they claim the following: full well that you will likely of food. fishermen right here from Ski- language. I want to thank you is completely at odds with Health is a very important subspecies of black bear that is “Pipeline leaks are rare.” Com- never see this creature again These birds are amazing degate; Percy Williams, Myles all for that. all the concepts of resource issue in this discussion, one found almost nowhere else in pared to what? but it’s now become part of and they’re an example of one Richardson, Billy Stevens, God- management, sustainable de- that perhaps has not been the world. There is also a sub- “Pipelines are the safest some greater thing, some web of the – they’re just one exam- frey Williams, Roy Jones, to velopment, and socially and addressed enough. I want to stantial population of migra- method of transporting fuels.” that helps to nurture you and ple of the many connections name a few. I fished along with environmentally responsible emphasize the importance tory birds, and over 300 spe- Maybe so but they don’t seem your family, your neighbours, that exist here between the Russ Jones. They taught me the management, that I have of health of individuals, of cies of marine life found in the very safe to me. even your forests, even the land and the sea. skills, showed me the spots, known and lived for more than course, but to communities eelgrass forests. “Liquid pipeline spills very air that we breathe. I hope the gear, and the patience nec- 30 years in my world of natural and as a national interest. along rights-of-way have de- that you get a chance like this essary to be a successful fish- resource field. - - - Healthy people make the creased over the past decade.” back where you’re from, where erman and I am indebted to The pipeline that connects the most important contribu- Really? It seems to me they you call home. them. tar sands to the coast follows a tions to our society and to our have increased in the amount And sincerely, I hope that route through the mountains economy. When they are not of barrels spilt. never will someone who lives and along the rivers of north- healthy, not only do we lose - - - far from your home decide ern BC. I know that route pret- our contribution, but we drain “Our environmental systems that they would like to make ty well. I have professional ex- the system, either trying to re- are designed to spot trouble some money for a few decades perience with unstable terrain, store health or else to compen- before leaks occur to pro- and put all these feelings and with avalanche hazards, with sate them for becoming sick. actively protect our environ- experiences I’ve described, the importance of protecting ment.” Well, obviously they to put all of this and so much small streams of fish popula- had a lot of equipment mal- more into harm’s way forever. tions, the impacts of access functions, over 800 of them, if roads and pipeline corridors you want to get technical. on wildlife populations.

54 55 Oral Statement Hearing – Skidegate, June 14, 2012 Oral Statement Hearing – Skidegate, June 14, 2012

Rebecca Holte Jessica Fairweather Teighan Karl Puls Kevin Gibson Evelyn Fran Fowler Jenn Dolen When I was younger I had this You, as the Review Panel, de- Bolt-Overton Over the decades that I’ve lived I’m afraid I don’t have any Von Alamassy I have worked to reduce my I want to share with you some- big idea that I had to save the ciding that your choice is Just last weekend I took my on these islands, the subject of surprises in store for you, as To live on Haida Gwaii is to consumption. I’m doing what I thing that happened to me world. I wanted war to stop. over ours even though this is little brother, who is just one hydrocarbon exploitation in far as favouring the project. I learn about the land, its peo- can, as I believe that we have when I first moved here. Actu- I wanted to be peaceful and our land, the land we have all year old, to the ocean with my Hecate Strait and Dixon En- guess you’re probably getting ple, its animals, but also to to find compromise that works ally, I wasn’t even living here. didn’t want any pollution. So grown up, some for shorter mom and my best friend, and trance has arisen periodically. pretty tired of hearing people learn more about yourself. for the earth. If we use less, I didn’t intend to move here, after a while, I decided the times than others. This is an for the very first time he got A moratorium on such devel- say, “No, no, no” and I’m afraid - - - we need less. I realize we are but this place has a hold on so only way I could do this is if I Island we all love for its amaz- to experience what it was like opment has long been in place I don’t want the project to pro- Haida Gwaii, as you have heard hypocritical when we use oil many people. became a scientist and I stud- ing beauty and nature. This to go to the ocean and to feel and the wisdom of maintain- ceed also but I think the haz- from people much wiser than I, to generate electricity when I went for a hike out in ied the ocean because every- is a great place to get away the water instead of feeling ing that protection was re-af- ards have been well covered by is an incredible place of power, there are other ways. Rennell Sound, I was by my- thing is linked to the ocean. from the polluted large cities, the nice, warm bath, ‘cause he firmed most recently in 2004. all the other speakers. of the place where the Haida - - - self, and I started the hike Everything comes from the a place to just relax and enjoy loves to swim. ------nation have lived for thou- We all have a role to play – ex- and I noticed an eagle flying ocean and eventually goes the view. And, in the future if he were Most of [the oil] is destined for When we discovered the fossil sands of years. It is a place of pressing our opinions, doing above, just circling, and I was back to the ocean. - - - to have children and come back China. There, it will be used by fuels, we thought: “Yay, this is much energy. It is also a place something about our con- going through the trees and I I remember as a young child I here they probably would not a virtual slave workforce with- powerful stuff for us to burn of much love. It is the only sumption. You have a role to looked up and I could still see would always go to my nanaay, be able to experience that, to out rights or safety protection and run our machines on. But place that I have lived where, if play, to hear us and fairly and the eagle circling. It’s my first my grandmother’s house – and go in the water, because it’d be – working in an environment the truth we know now is that you have a crisis, even people accurately report what we say. experience really of the coast my chinni’s, my grandfather’s polluted, and you wouldn’t be with few or no standards for the fossil fuels are extremely that don’t like you will help I wish you courage and integ- and the sort of impact that this house, and walk down the able to swim because there’d pollution control. dangerous chemical control you. rity to make that report. land can have. beach in front of their house. I be oil everywhere, and it’d kill Because of the cost of sav- substances, and they control - - - The governments have a So this hike came out onto loved it. It was a great way for a whole bunch of animals, and ings that slave labour and the global environment. And Once that you are here; once role to play; they are supposed the beach and I – just as I got me to get away and be able to I am a true animal lover. I don’t filthy production methods al- we simply cannot use these fu- that you have buried those that to represent us as minorities. into the beach and onto the get lost in thoughts. The sea really like to eat meat because low, the cheaper products that els anymore, because the car- you love here; and once you The tar sand conglomerates sand I noticed this little white life amazed me. I loved it so I love animals too much. will result from Chinese use bon from them is building up are connected to this place, and Enbridge partners have a feather slowly floating down much. It had a huge impact on of Canadian energy and the in the atmosphere. you can hear the hum of the role to play too; they have to from the sky and it landed, the way I saw our islands and chemical feed stocks produced - - - land. You can actually feel the find an ethical compromise, amazingly, right in my palm. it always will. You’re going to by oil refining can then be We should be phasing the fos- heartbeat of the earth, hear but not with our safety. take that chance of experienc- shipped back to this country sil fuel industry out instead of the rhythm of the rivers and ing the beauty – the beautiful into our other potential mar- building pipelines and devel- know the power of this place. sea life, from future genera- kets for manufactured goods at oping more unconventional There has been much death in tions. prices that undercut our own sources, [...] I believe it is the the forests of Haida Gwaii and I manufacturing sector. proper thing that Canada have felt the pain of those past Following the wake of that should do now. And I don’t souls, but you must know that self-inflicted damage to our know what the people are this is the most powerful en- economy, pollutions from Chi- thinking in the Privy Council ergy forces on this planet. na’s irresponsible production or the Prime Minister speaking methods will follow the pre- in favour of the project, but I vailing westerly winds to our am asking the review panel to coast as surely as the tsunami please reject the project and debris that’s now approaching not build the pipeline. our shoreline.

56 57 Oral Statement Hearing – Skidegate, June 14, 2012 Oral Statement Hearing – Skidegate, June 14, 2012

Paige Atwell Laura Pattison Joel Lagasse Michael Muller Lea Olson Anne Mountifield Robert Olsen Sean O’Neail My mother always said to me Today I’m here to represent I came last night and the This project is supposedly in We shouldn’t be giving our In the fall, I get to count coho We had a little spill here a few I can only hope that you three to always believe in myself and the Gwaii Haanas Tour Opera- speakers were so eloquent and the national interest. In reality, resources away. I have to say and pink salmon returning to years ago at Marie Lake. A little are gaining enormous strength fight for what I love, and that’s tors Association. passionate with their words I this has become the national ‘no’ about [the oil sands] if it’s Tlell [ … ] I count from a 24- fuel truck tipped over in the from these talks, because from what I’m doing today, fighting We’re an association of thought, “Oh, man, I need to economic interest. What about – I know it’s wrong but I think hour video tape. ditch. About half went out, you our point of view, we don’t for the island I grew up on. most of the businesses that go back to the drawing board.” the national social interest or we have to work. Industry has For me, the anxiety of the know, it’s like nothing. Very, know. It feels like an exercise I understand you do not run tours in Gwaii Haanas. [...] I’m going to try to show national environmental inter- done good for me and my fam- year starts waiting to see the very, very small amount, not in futility. We know that the have the same bond with the That’s Gwaii Haanas National them – give them that smile est or national cultural inter- ily. But this is so wrong. It is first fish come through the half a million barrels of it or government is not listening to island like we do, but if you get Park Reserve, Haida Heritage that you get when you hold est? mass chaos out there. We’re fence on the Tlell. And by and anything, just a small amount. us. We know the government – if you took a day and went to Site, and Marine Conserva- a shore crab in your hand as Social interest – is there not going to be able to afford large, the first fish I see are And all the resources on is not listening to science that the beach or fishing or gather- tion Area Reserve. All of those a kid, and when it scurries no national social benefit to to pay for all the trauma that’s very healthy, vigorous, busy these islands were used, ev- it doesn’t want to hear. Yet you ing food and getting to know terms, National Park, Haida across your hand for the first maintaining healthy urban going to come. This is just to- pinks. And they are making erything in Masset, everything three have been listening to us the people and the culture Heritage Site, Marine Conser- time and it tickles you, and you systems that includes small vi- tally wrong. their way up through the fish the Coast Guard had, every- for a year now. here, I can guarantee that you vation Area, none of those are just – it brings you happiness brant communities? fence up the Tlell because thing that Berard Clean (ph) The strength that you have will feel the same way about consistent with having an oil and for that – in that moment Canada needs a diversity they’re heading for the spawn- had. They took their semi- to take away from this, you Haida Gwaii like we do. spill, a pipeline, tanker traffic. – that’s what it’s all about. of small communities and the ing ground. trailer truck up there and have to put your connections, There has been multiple It’s a complete oxymoron and The point I’m trying to fishing communities of Coastal And there is a really breath- started bringing equipment your very careers on the line people that have spoken to I’m –frankly, I’m amazed that make [...] is this whole process BC are a necessary and impor- less pause for me waiting for out. And that spill was pretty because you know the mes- you and we speak clearly when this is being considered. is happening inside. Every- tant part of our social fabric, the first coho. In the mean- well contained; I mean damage sage, and somebody has to we say no. This project has I’m speaking to you as – as thing everyone has to say here especially since these coastal time, what I’m also seeing are was done but I would say that make the government get the brought everyone together to a representative of quite a few is outside. It’s our environ- communities have been in ex- the animals that live in the was successfully completed. message, and that’s your job. fight for what we love. We will small businesses here. And ment. We can tell you, but it’s istence since before the pyra- Tlell. I have seen beaver bus- But that tiny little bit, a We’ve done ours. This is all we make our voices heard and we what we’d like to see is the gov- one thing to describe to you mids were built and before ily working their way down- teacup full, thrown into Ma- can do as law-abiding citizens, will not stand back and let En- ernment – take us seriously as [...] it’s another thing to hold it Western thought of any kind stream and back upstream. I rie Lake and we used all of our and we’re doing all we can. bridge destroy our island or businesses even though we’re in your hands and feel it. emerged. have seen otter flirt with the resources up on just that one And I can only hope that you community. not huge, multimillion or mul- - - - I don’t need to talk more cameras. I have seen families little spill. It’s not even imag- are gaining strength and the tibillion dollar corporations. Now, three weeks ago, I took about a national environmen- of otter up and down the Tlell inable one of those extra-large strength to go there, back to We are businesses, we have a a class on a field trip [...]. In tal interest. Coastal BC and, ... tankers spilled out there in Ottawa, and make this project role to play in the economy, the background, there was in particular, Haida Gwaii and And I have seen muskrat. Hecate Straits. There’s nothing end. and our success, our ability to a grey whale feeding. In the Gwaii Haanas are recognized Muskrat are the funniest crea- we could do, absolutely noth- run our businesses is based on foreground, my students were as national treasures. ture you could ever see under ing. having a strong, healthy ma- scavenging the tidal pools. water because their fur does rine environment. They found several crabs, nu- not lie sleek to them, their fur dibranchs, countless sculpins. is spiky like a little kid who’s They also caught a three-foot just gotten up from a deep octopus. We shared and ate sleep. And as the muskrat zips that octopus together. past the camera lens, little The smiles that brought to bubbles are popping off its fur the kids’ faces is why, for me, if ... I were to say everything in one moment, that’s why we’re try- ing to do this.

58 59 Oral Statement Hearing – Skidegate, June 14, 2012 Oral Statement Hearing – Skidegate, June 14, 2012

Skidegate June 14, 2012 Hereditary Leaders

Gaahlaay Sdiithladaa Gidkinjuwaas Nang Jingwas Thasi Sgaann 7iw7waans The proposed pipeline is go- I support the previous present- The artist in me has always I speak in opposition to the When we were growing up, our There’s such a passion within ing to run through many dif- ers because of the passion that appreciated the beauty of this Northern Gateway proposal teachers used to tell us to eat each one of us that is so strong ferent Nations that have not people have for this island for place. I am also a chinaay, I because of the adverse effects our lunch because the rest of that, if we feel threatened, signed treaties or agreements their homeland and it’s some- have two grandsons, two beau- it would have on Haida Gwaii the country is starving because we’re going to be able to stand with Canada yet. So therefore, thing that has been deeply tiful grandsons who have not, and the surrounding waters. of the depression. We weren’t up for it. We’ll be able to stand to put a pipeline through these embedded in the culture of the as yet, seen the beaches of As a Hereditary Chief, I uphold allowed to waste our foods, our for something we believe in, territories without a treaty or Haida nation over the years: Haida Gwaii that I grew up on. the Constitution of the Haida lunch at school something that’s right here. anything is illegal according That our archaeological evi- I grew up on that beach there. Nation and the governance of One day, I asked my mother, I want all our future, who- to the Canadian Constitution, dence supports life on these I love the statement that I the Council of the Haida Na- I said, “What does depression ever you are that deem Haida Section 35. islands for hundreds and pos- found that says, “I am what I tion. It is our duty to protect mean?” She told me to listen Gwaii your home, I want your sibly thousands of years. And eat.” The clam that is part of our title and rights to territo- to the radio and listen really children and their children when you build a culture over me says no; the octopus that I ries of the Haida nation and hard. I finally found out what and their children to feel what those periods of time, the spir- have eaten says no. The halibut ensure that Haida Gwaii can depression meant, that the you feel. I want them to be able its of our ancestors continue that is part of me says no to provide for future generations. rest of the country was starv- to smile when they walk down to guide us in how we care for this project. Everything that I The Haida nation is an impor- ing during the war. But I think the beach and enjoy it. and steward this land that has eat from the sea bids me to say tant party that will be signifi- only the people on Haida Gwaii been given to us. no to your dangerous project cantly impacted by this project were thriving because we were - - - that can and will destroy the if it goes forward. – we are resourceful people When you think about the pos- sea life here. If you have not and we lived off the land when sibility of tanker traffic that, been on our beaches, you can- the rest of the country was go- maybe, on these large ships not appreciate it. ing through a very serious de- that could be almost a quarter pression. of a mile long. And we were Nowadays, our politicians looking at the length of this call a depression when our floor, and it’s about 100 feet, a money goes downhill about very large crude carrier would two cents. be 200 feet. So just imagine this hall being twice as wide and that would be the width of one car- rier. Then, you go down a quar- ter of mile that way or that way and you get the idea of the length of a ship that would be plying these waters.

60 61 THE FINAL ARGUMENT

After 18 months of public hearings on Enbridge’s proposed importance of the water, resources and abutting lands to the Courtesy of John Massey, Terrace Standard Northern Gateway pipeline, the Joint Review Panel (JRP) Haida Nation.” hearings officially ended in Terrace on June 24th, 2013. The The importance of rights and title was echoed throughout final oral argument phase was reserved for intervenors and the hearings in various presentations and was a prominent is- allowed participants to present their final arguments, either sue for the Haida nation. objecting to, or endorsing, the proposed project. Following CHN’s legal presentation, Mr Lantin outlined “The purpose of final argument is to provide an orderly four areas in which Enbridge’s application has failed: “North- In the lobby of the Terrace hotel where the Final Argument Hearings were held. (l-r) Sgaann 7iw7waans; Gaahlaay; Chris Tollefson, process to registered parties to tell the panel their view about ern Gateway has failed to understand the responsibility of the Legal Counsel for BC Nature/Nature Canada; President of the Haida Nation, Kil tlaats ’gaa, ; Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson, the project, including whether they believe it is in the public Haida Nation; has unfairly assessed the risks of the project; Peter Lantin Legal Counsel for Council of the Haida Nation; Guujaaw. interest and whether the panel should recommend approval inadequately measured cost-benefit analysis; and Northern or denial of the project,” said Panel Chair Sheila Leggett. Of Gateway has neglected the widespread lack of support for the the 34 intervenors who provided oral arguments at the final proposed project,” he declared. “Northern Gateway does not Haida Gwaii is a cultural and biological jewel. Incomplete application volumes. hearings, nine expressed their support for Enbridge’s propos- appear to understand the responsibilities that flow from being The Islands are nationally and internationally relished because The Haida provided evidence, such as the Haida Marine Tradi- al while 25 stated adamant opposition. inextricably linked with the natural environment.” of our rich cultural and ecological values. tional Knowledge Study, which was not incorporated into the The Council of the Haida Nation actively participated in project application or application updates. Without incorporat- every stage of the hearings and a contingent of representa- CHN’S WRITTEN ARGUMENT: A SUMMARY Flawed methodology and risk assessment. ing this information specific to Haida Gwaii, it is impossible for tives attended the final argument hearings on behalf of the Given the profound impacts that Enbridge’s proposed project the Crown to assess the adverse environmental and cultural ef- The application is incomplete. nation. President Kil tlaats’gaa, Peter Lantin, and Guujaaw at- could have, Enbridge’s risk assessment is grossly inadequate. fects of the proposal. Enbridge has not considered specific impacts of the propos- tended as elected representatives for the CHN, and Sgaann This is another example of the Northern Gateway application be- al to Haida Gwaii, Haida culture and Haida aboriginal rights. 7iw7waans, Allan Wilson, and Gaahlaay, Lonnie Young, attended ing incomplete. Aboriginal Rights and the Crown’s duty to the Haida. With inadequate assessments, consultation, and accommo- as hereditary leaders. Infringements on Haida aboriginal rights were not considered, dation, CHN asserts that the application contradicts current Mr Lantin and CHN counsel, Terri-Lynn Williams-David- Failed application-filing requirements. such as: laws. son, argued that the JRP should not approve the ENB applica- ENG has not addressed the application’s potential effects on Hai- • An oil spill could impact the practicing of these rights tion for a number of fundamental, legal and ethical reasons. da Gwaii and the company has neglected filing requirements in including the right to choose how lands and resources The proposal infringes on the Haida nation and its territory. “Aboriginal title includes the right to make decisions,” as- the JRP Agreement, including: are used, which has been achieved through several co- The Haida have filed a title case over the lands and marine ar- serted Ms Williams-Davidson, “including those that impact • Failure to address environmental and socio-economic ef- management agreements with the provincial and fed- eas of Haida Gwaii. The Crown has been given notice, and has the economic component of Aboriginal title [and] about the fects of the proposal eral government. knowledge of both Haida title and reconciliation of Haida and use of water and marine resources subject to Aboriginal ti- • Failure to answer or respond to the Haida nation’s con- Crown title throughout Haida territory. tle — including restricting uses that risk long-term impacts cerns regarding the proposal Crown consultation obligations. that are incompatible with Haida values and the intrinsic • Failure to incorporate Haida traditional knowledge into The JRP cannot fulfill its requirement to assess the potential or the application established effects on aboriginal rights without a thorough en-

62 63 vironmental assessment specific to Haida Gwaii. Further, the ARGUED FOR APPROVAL Crown’s responsibility to consult and accommodate with the 1. Alexander First Nation – supports approval with conditions Haida has not been met. By advocating for the proposal without 2. Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) meeting these requirements, the Crown has breached its legal 3. Cenovus Energy Inc., INPEX Canada Ltd., Nexen Inc., responsibility to aboriginal peoples. Suncor Energy Marketing Inc. and Total E&P Canada : Ltd. ART & POLITICS In conclusion: 4. Edmonton Chamber of Commerce • The proposed Northern Gateway project should not be 5. MEG Energy Corp. approved. Enbridge’s risk assessment methodology is 6. Sherwood Park Fish & Game Association – supports IT’S A NATURAL FIT flawed, resulting in an incomplete application approval with conditions • Enbridge has neglected evidence that the Haida pro- 7. World Trade Center Edmonton vided 8. Government of Alberta During the run-up to the Joint Review Panel hearings people came together and put • Canada has not upheld the honour of the Crown and has 9. Government of Canada failed to protect Haida aboriginal rights their creative energy into making signs and then hammering up the results all over the Over 200 individuals or organizations initially registered as ARGUED IN OPPOSITION Islands. A wide variety of messages summed up most people’s feelings about the intervenors – of those, just under half actively participated in 1. Council of the Haida Nation proposed project – here are just a few. the review by presenting oral evidence, written evidence, or 2. Alberta Federation of Labour Michaela McGuire oral or written argument. Some intervenors, such as the Prov- 3. BC Nature and Nature Canada ince of British Columbia, submitted written argument but did 4. C.J Peter Associates Engineering not attend the final days of hearings to provide an oral argu- 5. Coastal First Nations – Great Bear Initiative ment. 6. Nathan Cullen, Member of Parliament 7. Daiya-Mattess Keyoh 8. Douglas Channel Watch 9. Driftpile Cree Nation 10. Ermineskin Cree Nation and Samson Cree Nation 11. ForestEthics Advocacy, Living Oceans Society, and Raincoast Conservation Foundation (“The Coalition”) 12. District of Fort St. James 13. Fort St. James Sustainability Group 14. Gitga’at First Nation 15. Gitxaala Nation 16. Haisla Nation 17. Heiltsuk Economic Development Corporation 18. Heiltsuk Tribal Council 19. Heiltsuk Youth Voice 20. Kitimat Valley Naturalists Back (l-r): Rose Russ, Babs Stevens, Ooka Pineault, Marci Piercey, Elsie Stewart-Burton, Des Wilson, Doreal Piercey- Mr Casey Jones finishes off a sign at the 21. North Coast Cetacean Society Mearns, Remi Levesque, Christina Russ. Front (l-r): Mare Levesque and Cody Wilson. old DND barracks. 22. Northwest Institute of Bioregional Research 23. Office of the Wet’suwet’en 24. United Fishermen and Allied Workers’ Union 25. Dr. Josette Weir

64 65 Marni York, one of many volunteers who helped out with slogans and painting.

Many of the signs that were posted about the Islands have come to rest along Old Massett’s waterfront.

66 67 STANDING UP FOR HAIDA GWAII The speakers who gave testimony at the Joint Review Panel hearings.

February 28, 2012 February 29, 2012 March 21, 2012 March 22, 2012 June 1, 2012 June 2, 2012 June 13, 2012 June 14, 2012

CHN/OM CHN/OM cont’d CHN/SKG VILLAGE OF QUEEN INDEPENDENT INDEPENDENT INDEPENDENT INDEPENDENT Guujaaw Frederica (Riki) Ott April Churchill CHARLOTTE Douglas Daugert Jo-Anne Zaleski Lindsey Doerksen Alexander MacDonald Margaret Edgars Miles G. Richardson Carol Kulesha Ron Haralson Natalie Affolter Colin Davies Barbara Wilson Reg Davidson MéTIS NATION OF BC Diane Brown John Broadhead Dierdre Brennan Mary Disney Roberta Olson Heidi Richardson Oliver Bell Gary Ducommun Nika Collison Malcolm Dunderdale Lily Bell Valine Crist Geoffrey Greene Kelsey Pelton Allan Davidson Roy Jones Sr. Kris Olsen Estrella Hepburn Shirley Baker Shyla Cross Susan Brown TheCouncil of the Haida Nation Trevor Russ INDEPENDENT Kathleen Hans Bill Beamish Lynda Osborne Margaret Edgars George Farrell Ceitlynn Epners acknowledges and thanks all of those Leslie Brown John Disney Ronald Gates Donnette Farrell Carl Coffey Randy Tennant Tim Wolthers who attended and witnessed the Vanessa Bellis Jennifer Cross INDEPENDENT Susanne Suna David Thompson Carolyn Hesseltine Brandon Gibbard proceedings of the Ronald Brown Jr. HAIDA GWAII CoASt Beatrice Harley Ruth Gladstone-Davies Dominic Legault Ian Keir Cacilia Honisch Keith Moore Enbridge Joint Review Panel. Allan Wilson Jaalen Edenshaw Jason Alsop Duncan White Pat Parish Kelsey Kricheldorf Gerry Leminksi Mariken Van Gurp Russ Jones Kiefer Collison James Cowpar Benjamin William Baird Emily Watts Peter Reynolds Nick Reynolds Catherine Garrett Robert Davidson Donnie Edenshaw Robert Mills Babs Stevens Anne Wells Barrett Johnson Sarah Peerless Barney Edgars Guujaaw MIMC Karen McMurray Debi Landon Robert Prudhomme Russell Fleming Michelle Hagenson’s Evan Putterill Ken Leslie Daphne White Gary Wunsch Rebecca Holte K1 Class Heron Wier Marni York Sophie Harrison Kye Borserio Jessica Fairweather Phred Collins Suzanne Thibodeau Amanda Bedard Marcia Watkins Teighan Bolt-Overton Margarita Hearne Gwaii Haanas Tour John T. Smith Mya Edenshaw Dale Lore Karl Puls Rev. Peter Hamel Operators Association Kiku Dhanwant Haana Edenshaw Roy Jones, Jr Kevin Gibson Merlin Naylor Laura Pattison Lisa Edwards Jaalen Edenshaw Jenny Cross Evelyn Von Alamassy Andrew Merilees Louise van der Linden Elvis Davis Stephanie Fung Fran Fowler Jesse Condrotte HAIDA GWAII CoASt Susanne Koenig Taze Kowal Jonathan Dunsmore Jenn Dolen Ian Benoit Michael Koenig Michelle Brown Christine Rowan Paige Atwell INDEPENDENT Marvin Boyd Shaun Peacock Caylene Bell Oliver Kollar Laura Pattison Jean-Pierre Pineault William Davies Roberta Kennedy David McLean Preet Lidder Joel Lagasse Dana Myshrall James Cowpar Lorette Smillie Marina Jones John C. Wesley Michael Muller Leandre Vigneault Mary Williams Traci Murphy Michelle Hagenson Lea Olson Lynn Chi Lee Trafton Williams Vernon Williams Jr. Jenny Nelson Anne Mountifield Taimen Lee-Vigneault Betsy Cardell Crystal Robinson Robert Olsen James Douglas Nickerson Kevin Borserio Zoe Sikora Sean O’Neail Catherine Margaret Rigg Josh Vandal Michael McQuade Niisii Guujaaw Jack Litrell HEREDITARY LEADERS Judson Brown Jennifer White Gaahlaay Severn Cullis-Suzuki Aaron Riis Sdiithladaa Meredith Adams Gidkinjuwaas Nang Jingwas Thasi Sgaann 7iw7waans

68 69 70 71 HAIDA LAAS

JOURNAL of the COUNCIL of the HAIDA NATION

DECEMBER 2013

72