The Chief of the Sechelt First Nation says the fight over US thermal coal shipments through the Salish Sea is heating up. Chief Calvin Craigan says it still may come down to blockades or similar direct action.
Earlier this week, Voters Taking Action on Climate Change launched a court challenge looking to overturn a permit granted to a coal facility on Texada Island. Texada is slated to be the transfer point for coal coming in by rail to the Lower Mainland.
Craigan says as the Sechelt and other coastal First Nations see it, senior governments have ignored their duty to consult them, and it was more than a simple oversight.
Craigan says if First Nations don’t stand up for their rights, it will keep happening.
Craigan says the other key issue is the protection of resources in their traditional territories, especially the fishery. Craigan says they’re watching the court challenge filed by VTACC and will likely support it.
