Tŝilhqot’in Nation Rejects B.C. Hydro Announcement of Potential Bute Inlet Power Project

Courtesy of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) responded yesterday to British Columbia’s announcement that B.C. Hydro is exploring the potential for a large hydroelectric project near Bute Inlet: Powering B.C.’s future: New plan drives clean energy, growth, jobs.

As currently understood, this proposed power project would require extensive infrastructure in Tŝilhqot’in territory and has the potential to significantly impact Tŝilhqot’in lands and waters, as well as our title and rights.

TNG has communicated to B.C. Hydro, in no uncertain terms, that this project will not proceed without free, prior informed Tŝilhqot’in consent.

Specifically, TNG has made it clear to B.C. Hydro that the Tŝilhqot’in Nation must be a true partner from the outset to define and implement any investigation of this proposed power project, so that Tŝilhqot’in interests are fully understood and assessed to the satisfaction of the Tŝilhqot’in people. TNG has set out an Indigenous-led model for evaluating this project that recognizes and reflects the decision-making authority of the Tŝilhqot’in people at each stage, and the reality that this project will not proceed without Tŝilhqot’in consent.

TNG rejects B.C. Hydro’s decision to proceed unilaterally to explore this project, without any meaningful discussion with TNG to establish a respectful process. TNG calls on B.C. Hydro to halt any investigation of this project unless and until the jurisdiction and decision-making authority of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation is fully recognized and respected in the process.

Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Otis Guichon, Tribal Chief, Tŝilhqot’in National Government, Tŝideldel First Nation goes on to say: 

"Let us be clear: our War Chiefs stood up to the colonial government, fought a war in 1864 and sacrificed their lives to stop the building of a road through Bute Inlet and into our territory. This project will never proceed over the opposition of our Nation. B.C. Hydro’s public announcement, without us, without our approval, without engaging us in any meaningful way in the process, is the most disrespectful way to initiate a process for a project that affects us so significantly and directly. It is business as usual from B.C. Hydro and we will not stand for it.”