Haisla no longer on ‘outside looking in’ thanks to LNG Canada

KITIMAT — LNG Canada “set a new standard” for respectful consultation with First Nations, the deputy chief councillor of the Haisla Nation said about the energy consortium behind the greenlit mega-project that is slated to be the first liquefied natural gas export terminal on B.C.’s coast.

Brenda Duncan’s comments came as Canada said it would not appeal the Federal Court of Appeal decision that axed cabinet approval of the Trans Mountain oil pipeline expansion bid. Instead, the government announced Wednesday it would appoint Supreme Court Justice Frank Iacobucci to oversee a new round of consultations with Indigenous communities.

What LNG Canada did right in its multi-year consultation was engage consistently and early with community members and to sincerely listen and accommodate, Duncan said during an interview in Kitamaat Village, about 15 kilometres south of Kitimat. LNG Canada plans to build its terminal on the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation, across the Kitimat Arm of the Douglas Channel.

“We always hear about ‘nation building’ and even before reconciliation became a term or a buzz word, LNG Canada treated us as stewards of this land and as the landlords. … We’re very respectful of that,” Duncan said.

The longtime councillor knew by Monday that the consortium would proceed with its investment. But she said it didn’t quite hit her until Tuesday morning, when she watched Haisla Chief Coun. Crystal Smith, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier John Horgan and others announce the historic decision on TV. It made for an emotional day, when some members greeted each other in the morning with tears of joy, Duncan said.

“We’ve been on the outside looking in at economic development in our territory for decades. It’s always been touted that Kitimat’s been built on industry. Our ancestors have been here for time immemorial and we’ve been spectators to industry,” she said.

“When LNG Canada first engaged with us, it was the first time ever that we were seen as partners — that we were treated as partners. And we are now participants in our own economy. It means a lot.”

The benefits agreement between LNG Canada and the Haisla is known to its members, but not the broader public, Duncan said. But she could describe its effects.

“The benefits and revenue that it provides us … we’re able to empower a new generation of Haisla,” she said. “Whatever career aspirations our members have, we finally have the ability and the autonomy to do that.”

Staff at Natural Resources Canada said in a written statement that they welcomed the views of the Haisla Nation on consultations around LNG Canada and consistently seek to build on lessons learned.

Meanwhile, the elected councils of all 20 First Nations along the pipeline that will feed LNG Canada’s export terminal have reached agreements with the proponents of that project, which also got the go-ahead this week.