The Xatsúll First Nations has joined other First Nations Bands in speaking out against the provincial government’s proposed Bills 14 and 15.
“We’re standing up because [these Bills] go against B.C’s own Declaration Act,” says Xatśūll Kúkpi7(Chief) Rhonda Phillips. “They’re not meaningfully consulting First Nations, and they’re just trying to drive these Bills without consulting us.”
Bill 14, the Renewable Energy Projects Act, and Bill 15, the Infrastructure Projects Act, both in their First Reading, would allow the provincial government to “streamline” projects across the Renewable Energy and Infrastructure sectors without consulting the other orders of government, and local First Nations.
In a media release, on May 20, Kúkpi7 Phillips and Council say Xatśūll is “firmly opposed” to the Bills. Alongside many First Nations and Indigenous peoples across the province, Xatśūll believes the bills “pose a direct threat” to First Nations rights and the government’s environmental accountability.
“These Bills aren’t just a policy misstep, they’re a breach of trust,” says Phillips. “It’s also a breach of their commitments and a violation of the law that their government passed. That’s why we are standing firm.”
This comes while Xatśūll is currently engaged in a judicial review with the provincial government and Mount Polley Mine, alleging that the former and the latter did not do meaningful consultations with Xatśūll and First Nations before approving the additional tailing project.
Kúkpi7 Phillips joined other First Nations leaders at a First Nations Leadership Council emergency meeting to sit down with Premier David Eby to address First Nations concerns with Bills 14 and 15. She says the Premier was “unwilling to withdraw” the Bills after hearing from First Nations leadership.
“It was just disappointing. It contradicts when he speaks about reconciliation. It was a slap in the face, if I’m honest.”
Bills 14 and 15 are still in the First Readings in B.C’s Legislative Assembly. Kúkpi7 Phillips says she and more First Nations will continue to speak out against them. They are asking for both bills to be withdrawn and retabled. She encourages all British Columbians to ask for them to be withdrawn alongside the First Nations.
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