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On the first anniversary of the RCMP's enforcement of an injunction against opponents of a natural gas pipeline in northern British Columbia, First Nation hereditary chiefs said the company behind the project is not welcome on their traditional territory.
Chief Na'moks said Tuesday there will be no access to the territory without the consent of the chiefs, who are demanding the province stop construction of the pipeline and that the RCMP withdraw from their land.
"If they wish to force their way on, that is not our choice, that is theirs," Na'moks told a news conference.
"We are peaceful but we will protect our territory."
Na'moks said Coastal GasLink is not allowed on the First Nation's 22,000 square kilometres of traditional territory and its leadership is unwilling to meet with the company.
Coastal GasLink has received approval from the provincial government to build a 670-kilometre pipeline from northeastern B.C. to LNG Canada's $40-billion export terminal in Kitimat. The company signed agreements with all 20 elected First Nation councils along the route, but the hereditary chiefs say the project doesn't have authority without their consent as well.
On Dec. 31, the B.C. Supreme Court granted another interim injunction to the company against members of the First Nation and supporters who oppose the pipeline.
In an interview, Na'moks said relations haven't improved since 14 people were arrested by police and a checkpoint built on the road leading to a work site was dismantled on Jan. 7, 2019.
The hereditary chiefs issued an eviction notice to the company on the weekend. Na'moks said trees were felled across the road leading to the work site for the safety of local residents.
Coastal GasLink declined an interview request but in a statement it said work could be delayed in an area at the centre of the dispute, but it is ready to resume construction. It added that it is willing to "discuss issues of importance" with the chiefs.
