Editor:
Re: “First Nations file civil claims in bid to stop Site C construction,” Jan. 19.
I read your article regarding the Treaty 8 Civil suit with a mixture of outrage and sorrow. One of the most despicable aspects of the NDP’s Site C decision is to force B.C. taxpayers and BC Hydro ratepayers to fund the systemic racism of our legal system against West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations. I witnessed the “crown” at work in the previous court cases. It was not honourable.
The terrible irony of the Site C dam story is how the flood reserve has protected an intact ecosystem in the Peace River Valley from the massive industrialization for resource extraction in Northeastern B.C. It’s not as though another intact valley of similarly rich biodiversity exists elsewhere in Treaty 8 territory making this one expendable. It is unique. It is irreplaceable. Short-term jobs for a few will not mitigate the destruction of a way of life promised in the treaty.
And so Mr. Horgan will break his promise of reconciliation – will break our promise of reconciliation. And no matter what the courts finally decide about infringement, the desecration of the Peace by Site C dam will make his “commitment” to UNDRIP meaningless and the calls to action for justice and reconciliation in the Peace will go unheard.
That is a shameful legacy, Mr. Horgan.
Lynn Chapman, Roberts Creek
