First Nations split over Site C dam – Vancouver Sun
Some want to fight the BC Hydro megaproject; other want to negotiate for millions in compensation
December 9, 2013
BC Hydro’s planned $7.9-billion Site C dam has caused a split among Treaty 8 First Nations over whether to fight the megaproject tooth and nail or participate in negotiations leading to compensation settlements.
As a joint review panel begins an environmental review of Site C today on behalf of the provincial and federal governments, four First Nations communities have banded together to fight the project – Doig River, Halfway River, Prophet River, and West Moberly.
“We don’t want it,” Doig councillor Kelvin Davis told The Vancouver Sun during a tour of traditional sites along the Peace River. “The land is more valuable to us the way it is. For this to be under water is unthinkable.”
Three other Treaty 8 First Nations – Blueberry River, Saulteau, and McLeod Lake – have agreed to negotiate for compensation and have been offered “impact benefit agreements,” confirmed Dave Conway, BC Hydro community relations manager in Fort St. John.
Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/First+Nations+split+over+Site/9263301/story.html#ixzz2mzUmynua
