Gitga’at First Nation reminds Enbridge that Northern Gateway pipeline and oil tanker project is not welcome in Gitga’at territory.

HARTLEY BAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA (May 16, 2013) – The Gitga’at First Nation has instructed Enbridge to leave its territory after the company and a team of oil spill response surveyors showed-up uninvited, during the nation’s annual food harvesting camp, a time of rich cultural activity and knowledge sharing.

Enbridge representatives were instructed to leave Gitga’at council chambers and Gitga’at territory, Wednesday morning, after councillors voiced their displeasure at not being consulted on an Enbridge oil spill response survey.

The dust-up comes on the eve of final oral arguments before the Joint Review Panel, which is reviewing the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline.

“Despite an ongoing review process, Enbridge has entered our territory and begun project work before their proposed oil tanker and pipeline project has even been approved,” said Arnold Clifton, Chief Councillor of the Gitga’at First Nation. “This is disrespectful to the Gitga’at First Nation, the review process, and the people of British Columbia, who oppose oil tankers in our coastal waters.”

“Four years ago when Enbridge CEO Patrick Daniel and Northern Gateway President John Carruthers visited Hartley Bay, we treated them respectfully, but informed them in no uncertain terms that their project is not welcome in Gitga’at Territory.  We reminded their staff of that today,” said Clifton.

Enbridge signaled its intention to enter Gitga’at territory by sending an after hours fax without proper contact information, less than a week before their arrival, and without prior consultation. The fax also mistakenly included a letter addressed to Chief Councillor Conrad Lewis of the Gitxaala First Nation, which the Gitga’at returned to Enbridge.

“It’s hard to imagine a company screwing-up its relationships with First Nations more than Enbridge has,” said Marven Robinson, Gitga’at Councillor. “This incident shows not only the failure of Enbridge to meaningfully consult, but also indicates an insensitive, scatter-shot approach to dealing with First Nations. We remain resolved to protect our territory and people from this project.”

Contact Information:

Andrew Frank
Communications Officer
Gitga’at First Nation
604-367-2112

Simon and Garfunkel provide soundtrack to Coastal First Nations warning on oil …
Straight.com (blog) - ‎March 25, 2013
The celebrated folk duo Simon and Garfunkel have added their voices to the debate on oil tanker traffic in B.C coastal waters. In a video uploaded to YouTube today by a coalition of B.C. First Nations groups, Simon and Garfunkel’s 1965 hit “The Sound of …

The Sound of Silence: Commercial Reminds Residents of ‘Dangers & Costs of …

The Maritime Executive - ‎March 25, 2013
“We thought it was appropriate to release the commercial on the 24th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska,” said Art Sterritt, Executive Director of the Coastal First Nations. “The Coastal First Nations have banned oil tankers from our traditional …

First Nations group launches anti-pipeline ads on 24th anniversary of Alaskan oil …
Ottawa Citizen - ‎March 25, 2013
Art Sterritt with Coastal First Nations says the catastrophic Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska over two decades ago is proof that massive oil tankers don’t belong in B.C. waters because the state is still trying to clean up. Sterritt is launching a TV and social media …

Paul Simon lends voice to BC group’s anti-pipeline commercial (with video)
Ottawa Citizen - ‎March 25, 2013
The singer directly approved the use of his song in the video created by Coastal First Nations, said CFN Executive Director Art Sterritt. The two-minute video begins with footage of the Exxon Valdez, and overlays crackling audio of its first call to the coast guard …

Paul Simon joins fight against increased tanker traffic
News1130 - ‎March 25, 2013
The two-minute clip was released by Coastal First Nations to mark yesterday’s 24th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill off Alaska. CFN Executive Director Art Sterritt says the 1964 Simon and Garfunkel hit takes on a powerful new meaning in the video, …

BC political ad highlights Exxon Valdez oil spill
Sun News Network - ‎March 25, 2013
MICHELLE GAMAGE | QMI AGENCY. VANCOUVER — An iconic Simon and Garfunkel song is part of a political TV ad about the dangers of oil spills that was released by the Coastal First Nations on Sunday, the 24th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez disaster.

Paul Simon on tanker risks: ‘Hello darkness, my old friend’
Ottawa Citizen - ‎March 25, 2013
The singer personally approved the use of his song in the video created by Coastal First Nations, said the group’s executive director, Art Sterritt. The two-minute video begins with footage of the Exxon Valdez and overlays crackling audio of its call to the coast …

Paul Simon lends his voice to fight against oil tankers
Vancouver Sun - ‎March 25, 2013
The singer personally approved the use of his song in the video created by Coastal First Nations, said the group’s executive director, Art Sterritt. The two-minute video begins with footage of the Exxon Valdez and overlays crackling audio of its call to the coast …

First Nations ad blitz marks Exxon oil spill
The Province - ‎March 25, 2013
The province’s waters are no place for massive tankers exporting oil to Asian markets, according to the executive director of Coastal First Nations, Art Sterritt. “All of the social, environmental and economic impacts … are not something that Coast First Nations …

Group launches anti-pipeline ads on anniversary of Alaskan oil spill
StarPhoenix - ‎March 25, 2013‎
The province’s waters are no place for massive tankers exporting oil to Asian markets, according to the executive director of Coastal First Nations, Art Sterritt. “All of the social, environmental and economic impacts … are not something that Coast First Nations …

For ‘the price of a nice dinner out,’ Paul Simon lends song to BC oil spill ad
National Post - ‎March 24, 2013
The singer directly approved the use of his song The Sound of Silence in the video created by Coastal First Nations, said CFN Executive Director Art Sterritt. The two-minute video begins with footage of the Exxon Valdez, and overlays crackling audio of its first …

Anti-tanker ad marks anniversary of Alaskan oil spill
CBC.ca - ‎March 24, 2013
The province’s waters are no place for massive tankers exporting oil to Asian markets, according to the executive director of Coastal First Nations, Art Sterritt. “All of the social, environmental and economic impacts… are not something that Coast First Nations …

First Nations group marks Exxon Valdez anniversary with an anti-pipeline …
Yahoo! News Canada (blog) - ‎March 24, 2013
On Sunday, the Coastal First Nations marked the anniversary of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill with an ad campaign meant to convince British Columbians to rally against the proposed Enbridge Gateway pipeline and oil tankers off the coast.

First Nations group launches anti oil tanker ad campaign
News1130 - ‎March 24, 2013
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The BC Coastal First Nations has launched a campaign to keep oil tanker traffic away from the coast and it comes on the anniversary of one of the worst oil spills ever, the Exxon Valdez disaster. The ad itself is quite graphic, …

Simon & Garfunkel song used in anti-tanker ad
24 Hours Vancouver - ‎March 24, 2013
The Exxon Valdez tanker ran into a reef 24 years ago, spilling 44.7 million litres of oil into Prince William Sound, Alaska. Coastal First Nations is concerned about the ramifications a tanker spill would have off of B.C.’s coast. (MICHELLE GAMAGE/ 24 HOURS) …

Group launches anti-pipeline ads on anniversary of Exxon Valdez oil spill
Globe and Mail - ‎March 24, 2013
The province’s waters are no place for massive tankers exporting oil to Asian markets, according to the executive director of Coastal First Nations, Art Sterritt. “All of the social, environmental and economic impacts … are not something that Coast First Nations …

Anti-pipeline ads mark Exxon Valdez anniversary
TheChronicleHerald.ca - ‎March 24, 2013
The province’s waters are no place for massive tankers exporting oil to Asian markets, according to the executive director of Coastal First Nations, Art Sterritt. “All of the social, environmental and economic impacts … are not something that Coast First Nations …

Group launches anti-pipeline ads
Castanet.net - ‎March 24, 2013
The province’s waters are no place for massive tankers exporting oil to Asian markets, according to the executive director of Coastal First Nations, Art Sterritt. “All of the social, environmental and economic impacts … are not something that Coast First Nations …

Paul Simon lends voice to BC group’s anti-pipeline commercial
Vancouver Sun - ‎March 24, 2013
The singer directly approved the use of his song in the video created by Coastal First Nations, said CFN Executive Director Art Sterritt. The two-minute video begins with footage of the Exxon Valdez, and overlays crackling audio of its first call to the coast guard …

Anti-pipeline ads to air on Exxon Valdez spill anniversary
CTV News - ‎March 24, 2013‎
Art Sterritt with Coastal First Nations says the catastrophic Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska over two decades ago is proof that massive oil tankers don’t belong in B.C. waters because the state is still trying to clean up. Sterritt is launching a TV and social media …

Anti-pipeline ads to run on Exxon Valdez spill anniversary
CTV News - ‎March 24, 2013
Art Sterritt with Coastal First Nations says the catastrophic Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska over two decades ago is proof that massive oil tankers don’t belong in B.C. waters because the state is still trying to clean up. Sterritt is launching a TV and social media …

Anti-pipeline ads launched on Exxon Valdez oil spill anniversary
CTV News - ‎March 24, 2013
Art Sterritt with Coastal First Nations says the catastrophic Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska over two decades ago is proof that massive oil tankers don’t belong in B.C. waters because the state is still trying to clean up. Sterritt is launching a TV and social media …

Anti-pipeline ads commemorate Alaskan spill
MetroNews Canada - ‎March 24, 2013‎
The province’s waters are no place for massive tankers exporting oil to Asian markets, according to the executive director of Coastal First Nations, Art Sterritt. “All of the social, environmental and economic impacts … are not something that Coast First Nations …

First Nations group marking oil spill anniversary
News1130 - ‎Mar 24, 2013‎
CENTRAL COAST (NEWS1130) – A BC First Nations group is marking the 24th anniversary of one of the worst oil spills in history with a new ad campaign against the proposed Northern Gateway project. Art Sterritt with Coastal First Nations says the …


Group launches anti-pipeline ads on anniversary of Exxon Valdez oil spill

Globe and Mail – March 24, 2013
The province’s waters are no place for massive tankers exporting oil to Asian markets, according to the executive director of Coastal First Nations, Art Sterritt. “All of the social, environmental and economic impacts … are not something that Coast First Nations …

Andy Rowell: “An oil spill is ‘the sound of silence’”

YubaNet  - ‎March 25, 2013
So it comes as no surprise that yesterday the Coastal First Nations in British Colombia marked the anniversary of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill with an advertising campaign against the Northern Gateway pipeline, the alternative route to take tar sands to the …

BC coastal First Nations airs anti-oil commercial
Creamer Media’s Mining Weekly - ‎March 25, 2013
TORONTO (miningweekly.com) – The Coastal First Nations last week aired a television commercial warning British Columbians of the dangers and costs of bringing oil tankers to BC’s pristine coastal waters. The commercial opened with the original audio …

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – March 22, 2013) - Attention News Editors: Media are invited to a brief media screening and Q&A session with Art Sterritt, Executive Director of the Coastal First Nations, for a new oil spill television commercial being released on the anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill (March 24).

The commercial features the music of a famous American singer-songwriter, and high-resolution copies will be made available to media on USB flash drives.

Who: Art Sterritt, Executive Director of the Coastal First Nations

When: Sunday, March 24, 2013 at 1:00pm

Where: Coastal First Nations, Suite 1660, 409 Granville Street, Vancouver

Contact Information:
Bessie Brown
Coastal First Nations
Communications Coordinator
604-722-3331

Major business executives, labour unions and environmental groups call on political parties to adopt a bold Green Jobs Plan for B.C.

VANCOUVER, BC (March 20, 2013) – GreenJobsBC has launched a campaign calling on the leaders of B.C.’s political parties to adopt a bold Green Jobs Plan that could employ tens of thousands of British Columbians, while taking significant action on climate change.

The call is being endorsed by more than 60 organizations and a growing number of leaders from BC’s business, labour and environmental sectors, including Julia Levy, co-founder and former CEO of QLT, a biotechnology company, and David Podmore, Chairman and CEO of Concert Properties.

“I’m a scientist and an entrepreneur, so I see both the threat and the opportunity that climate change poses for British Columbia,” said Julia Levy. “Political leadership and a bold Green Jobs Plan are critical if B.C. is to take on the challenge of climate change while greening our economy.”

“We built our company by making long-term investments in British Columbia,” said David Podmore, Chairman and CEO of Concert Properties. “Fighting and adapting to climate change, and safeguarding our industries and communities, require a similarly bold and long-term investment strategy. A Green Jobs Plan for B.C. is a good place to start.”

GreenJobsBC campaign co-chairs, BCGEU president Darryl Walker and Lisa Matthaus of Organizing for Change, a coalition of environmental groups, said they would brief the leaders of B.C.’s political parties, and that all parties will be invited to endorse the campaign.

“It’s not jobs versus the environment,” said the two in a joint statement. “Long-term jobs depend on a healthy environment. With the right policies, many of the traditional sectors that built this province have the potential to create thousands of green jobs that will make our communities thrive.”

The campaign focuses on policy opportunities in the forestry, energy, transportation and construction and retrofitting sectors. Residential housing retrofits alone could employ 14,000 to 30,000 people per year.

Organizations and individuals are invited to sign on to the campaign: www.greenjobsbc.org

Media Backgrounder: http://greenjobsbc.org/resources/

Contact Information:

Lisa Matthaus
Provincial Lead
Organizing for Change
250-888-5194

Oliver Rohlfs
Communications Officer
BCGEU
778-318-9164

First Nation still experiencing oil slicks from sunken munitions ship

HARTLEY BAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – March 19, 2013) - Arnold Clifton, Chief Councillor of the Gitga’at First Nation, issued the following statement in response to newly announced federal oil spill regulations focused on aerial patrols of coastal waters, a new oil tanker safety panel and inspections. He questions how the federal government will respond to a major oil spill when it can’t even get the smaller ones right:

Gitga’at First Nation
Andrew Frank
Communications Officer
604-367-2112

Gitga’at First Nation needs much more information about proposed projects and their impacts before considering any support for LNG projects.

HARTLEY BAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA (March 4, 2013) – The Gitga’at First Nation says a recent conference on LNG, sponsored by the BC provincial government, has raised more questions than it has answered, and government officials, including Premier Clark, and proponents are getting ahead of themselves if they think there is a clear consensus on LNG among BC First Nations.

“There is a gold rush mentality around LNG in British Columbia right now that is raising more questions than it’s answering,” said Arnold Clifton, Chief Councillor of the Gitga’at First Nation. “Promoting development by granting export licenses and making supportive announcements before environmental assessments are completed and meaningful consultation with affected First Nations has taken place, only leaves these projects at risk.”

Clifton was reacting to announcements made at the conference by the BC and federal governments, including Premier Clark’s claim that “…First Nations are fully behind making sure that access [for LNG export] is granted.”

“While we do not necessarily oppose LNG development, we still have many serious unanswered questions about proposals to move large LNG tankers into our territorial waters, as well environmental concerns around the LNG plants themselves, including emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases,” said Clifton. “A great deal more information about these projects must be forthcoming before Gitga’at can give them any informed consideration.”

Gitga’at territory encompasses roughly 7,500 square kilometres of land and water, including a major portion of Douglas Channel, which is a key part of the route LNG tankers would have to travel to get to and from LNG terminals in Kitimat.

Map of Gitga’at territory (free use for media):

http://andrewfrank.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Gitgaat-Territory.jpg 

“Consultation requires direct and meaningful engagement with First Nations with full information about the proposed project and its impacts. That has not yet happened for Gitga’at. To suggest that First Nations are now behind these projects completely ignores the Gitga’at and our concerns. Right now, the conditions for obtaining Gitga’at support are not met, and due process is at risk of slipping away, and with it, First Nations support,” said Clifton.

Contact Information:

Andrew Frank
Communications Officer
Gitga’at First Nation
604-367-2112

First nations leaders sign declaration banning pipelines, oil tankers in B.C. (with video)
The Vancouver Sun  - ‎Dec. 14, 2012
The Save the Fraser Declaration, signed by 130 first nations and presented by National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Shawn Atleo, reiterated growing opposition to construction of new pipelines in the province. The Northern Gateway project would …

B.C. mayors join first nations in opposing Gateway
The Globe and Mail  - ‎Dec. 14, 2012
Two British Columbia mayors, Gregor Robertson of Vancouver and Taylor Bachrach of Smithers, have added their support to a coalition of native communities opposed to the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline.

Pipeline proposal heading toward showdown over First Nations rights
Ottawa Citizen - ‎Dec 13, 2012‎
It bans pipelines and tankers in the Fraser River watershed, as well as oil tankers in the ocean migration routes of Fraser River salmon. Petition organizers say signatory First Nations form an unbroken chain that spans the entire length of the province.

More native groups join opposition to pipelines
24 Hours Vancouver / QMI Agency  - ‎Dec. 13, 2012
Mayor Gregor Robertson proclaimed “Save the Fraser Declaration Day” in Vancouver on Thursday as three more First Nation groups added their signatures to the document that opposes any oilsands pipelines on their land.

Mayor stands with 136 First Nations in pipeline opposition
MetroNews Canada – Dec. 13, 2012
First Nations leaders teamed up with Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson Thursday to commemorate the third anniversary of the signing of the Save the Fraser Declaration, banning any new oil pipelines or tankers from crossing B.C.. In a ceremony at the …

Dec. 13 billed as ‘Save the Fraser River Declaration Day’
News1130 - ‎Dec 13, 2012‎
To make his stance official, Robertson announced today was Save the Fraser Declaration Day, which is an indigenous law put in place with the hopes of banning tar sands pipelines and tankers from crossing into BC waters. It has been signed by over 130 …

Pipeline showdown
Castanet.net - ‎Dec 13, 2012‎
The alliance would ban pipelines and tankers in the Fraser River watershed. It would also stop oil tankers in the ocean migration routes of Fraser River salmon all along coastal British Columbia. Petition organizers say signatory First Nations form an unbroken …

‘Wall of opposition’ to tar sands pipelines in BC grows stronger
rabble.ca - ‎Dec 14, 2012‎
The event was a celebration and a reaffirmation of the Save the Fraser Declaration, a historic statement of unity that prohibits tar sands exports across Indigenous lands. The Declaration, now signed by over 130 First Nations, “bans tar sands pipelines and …

Vancouver proclaims Save the Fraser River Declaration Day
Beacon News (blog) - ‎Dec 13, 2012‎
Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson has proclaimed Save the Fraser River Declaration Day in the city, at the same time as a number of First Nations groups have signed the actual declaration by the same name. The Tahltan Central Council, the Tahltan Band …

A new Forum Research poll, commissioned by the Gitga’at First Nation, shows a decisive and growing majority of British Columbians oppose the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline project (60% opposed, 31% in favour, 9% don’t know). This, despite a multi-million dollar ad campaign by Enbridge to convince the public that the project is safe and will bring economic benefits to the province.

If that wasn’t enough, the Vancouver Sun suggests that the advertising campaign may actually be doing the project more harm than good. Big news in BC yesterday and today, including a new report on Global News this morning:

Enbridge Pipeline Poll Story
Global BC News Hour & Global BC Morning News - ‎Dec. 11 & 12, 2012
Political journalist, Keith Baldrey, reports that new Forum Research poll shows opposition to Enbridge pipeline growing to 60%; 68% among women.

Most in province oppose pipeline
The Vancouver Sun  - ‎Dec. 12, 2012
Opposition to Enbridge’s proposed $5.5-billion Northern Gateway pipeline continues to grow, according to a new independent poll that also shows the company’s multimillion-dollar advertising campaign may be doing the project more harm than good.

B.C. Native leaders plan declaration banning pipelines, tankers and oilsands
The Calgary Herald  - ‎Dec. 12, 2012
First nations leaders are expected to sign a declaration of indigenous law banning pipelines, tankers and oilsands in British Columbia at a Vancouver press conference tomorrow.

Residents still against pipeline: poll
The Prince George Citizen  - ‎Dec. 11, 2012
British Columbians continue to oppose the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline by nearly a two-to-one margin, according to a poll released Tuesday.

Enbridge Pipeline Poll Story
CBC Radio News Prince George  - ‎Dec. 11, 2012
Marissa Harvey reports on new Forum Research poll that shows opposition to Enbridge’s Northern Gateway pipeline is growing.

Poll shows growing opposition to Northern Gateway pipeline
Global BC  - ‎Dec. 12, 2012
Opposition to Enbridge’s proposed $5.5-billion Northern Gateway pipeline continues to grow, according to a new independent poll that also shows the company’s multimillion-dollar advertising campaign may be doing the project more harm than good.

B.C. opposition to Northern Gateway pipeline higher than ever: poll
Metro News  - ‎Dec. 12, 2012
A new poll shows the Northern Gateway pipeline has never been less popular with British Columbians.

Opposition growing towards Northern Gateway pipeline
News 1130  - ‎Dec. 12, 2012
All the publicity money can buy doesn’t seem to be helping Enbridge sell you on the Northern Gateway pipeline…

More BCers oppose Gateway pipeline after map controversy, ad blitz: poll
TheTyee.ca (blog) - ‎Dec. 11, 2012
A new poll suggests that 60 per cent of British Columbians now oppose the proposed Northern Gateway bitumen pipeline. And according to the results, controversy over Enbridge’s tanker route map — which omitted 1,000 square kilometres of islands in the …

Gitga’at commissioned poll shows 60 per cent of British Columbians oppose Enbridge
Prince Rupert Northern View - Dec. 11, 2012
A new poll released Dec. 11 indicates opposition to the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway project in the province is quite significant.

New Poll On Northern Gateway Project
CKPG TV – Dec. 11, 2012
A new public opinion poll indicates a majority of British Columbians are opposed to the Northern Gateway Pipeline project. 60 per cent of those questioned by Forum Research stated opposition to the project, 31 per cent were in favour, with 9 per cent undecided.

New Poll Reveals Increased Opposition to Enbridge Pipeline Project (Web & Radio)
HQPrinceGeorge.com – Dec. 11, 2012
Opposition to the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline project continues to grow. That according to a new Forum Research poll conducted Monday night and commissioned by the Gitga’at First Nation which shows 60% of British Columbians are opposed to the project.

British Columbians turn their back on Northern Gateway
660 News Calgary - ‎Dec. 12, 2012
A new poll shows a decisive and growing majority of British Columbians oppose the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline Project. The poll shows 60 per cent are opposed to the project, 31 per cent are in favour while 9 per cent are undecided.

Enbridge ad campaign fails to sway public opinion; “Disappearing islands” story has worsened public views of the project

VANCOUVER, BC (December 11, 2012) – A new Forum Research poll shows a decisive and growing majority of British Columbians oppose the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline project. 60% opposed, 31% in favour, 9% don’t know.

Conducted Dec. 10,^, 2012, the poll shows that opposition is up 8% since April and 14% since January when the last two Forum Research polls were conducted in the province.

Public opposition to the project appears to have grown, despite a multi-million dollar ad campaign by Enbridge. The poll, commissioned by the Gitga’at First Nation, shows that 83% of respondents who had seen advertising said it had no effect (46%), or had actually worsened their opinion of the project (37%).

“We did this poll because we find the Enbridge ads misleading,” said Arnold Clifton, Chief Councillor of the Gitga’at First Nation. “The proposed tanker route is in our territorial waters, so we know how treacherous they can be, and how risky this project is. We wanted to see if British Columbians felt the same way.”

Ad campaign

86% of British Columbians said they had seen some kind of advertising for Enbridge in the past six months (both positive and negative). Of these respondents, 46% said the advertising had no effect on their opinion of the project, 37% said it had worsened their opinion and 14% said it had improved their opinion.

“Disappearing Islands” Story

40% of British Columbians were aware that Enbridge has displayed a map of Douglas Channel, the oil tanker route, which removes many islands which critics say makes the channel appear safer to navigate than it is.

Of these respondents, 64% thought the map was misleading, 25% thought it wasn’t misleading and 11% don’t know.

58% said the map has made their opinion of the project worse, 9% said the map improved their opinion, and 32% said the map had no effect on their opinion.

“We don’t have the resources to fight Enbridge’s multi-million dollar advertising campaigns,” said Cam Hill, Gitga’at Councillor. “What we do have is the truth, and the truth is that a single oil spill in BC’s coastal waters could wipeout the traditional foods that feed our people. We live in one of the most beautiful and pristine places on earth, sharing our home with Spirit Bears, humpback whales and wild salmon. Why would we put that at risk? We don’t want dead water.”

To counteract Enbridge’s ad campaign, the Gitga’at are releasing video footage and photos from their traditional territory in the Great Bear Rainforest.

B-Roll: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5in8AmZuBY

Photos: http://www.thomaspeschak.com/great-bear-rainforest/

Gitga’at Map: http://andrewfrank.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Gitgaat-Map.jpg

The Gitga’at, who are best known for rescuing passengers from the BC Queen of the North ferry after it ran aground six years ago, rely on the ocean for more than 40% of their traditional diet, including halibut, crab, salmon, prawns, mussels, clams, seaweed, oysters and herring.

The nation is also developing an eco-tourism industry based on the health and diversity of local wildlife including the famous Spirit Bear.

Methodology

This poll was conducted December 10 among a randomly selected sample of 1051 British Columbians 18 years of age and older. The poll was conducted by Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and has a margin of error of about plus or minus 3%, 19 times out of 20.

Download Poll Results:

http://andrewfrank.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Forum-Research-BC-Pipelines-Poll-Dec-10-2012-Results.xlsx

Contact Information:

Marven Robinson
Gitga’at First Nation Councillor
778-884-2561

Andrew Frank
Communications Officer
Home Office: 604-215-7875
Mobile: 604-367-2112
www.gitgaat.net

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – Dec. 10, 2012) -

Media are invited to a press conference during which First Nations leaders will sign the Save the Fraser Declaration, an indigenous law banning tar sands pipelines and tankers from crossing BC, signed by over 100 First Nations.

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson will also make an important announcement.

Who:

First Nations Leaders and members of the Yinka Dene Alliance

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson

Smithers Mayor Taylor Bachrach

When: Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 9:00 a.m – press conference starts at 9:15 a.m. sharp.

Where: Hyatt Regency Hotel, Regency A, 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver, Coast Salish Territories.