Lelu Island: Lax U’u’la Defenders Prevent Survey Work

Lax U’u’la defenders confront security guards, dressed in black, Oct 29, 2015. Photo: Facebook

by Stop Pacific NorthWest LNG/Petronas on Lelu Island

Update: November 2, 2015. Day 70.

On Thursday, October 29, Lax U’u’la Defenders prevented Stantec surveyors from conducting unauthorized work on Flora Bank. The surveyors were accompanied by two private security guards who were stopped and questioned by the Defenders. The guards refused to identify themselves or which company they worked for and were told that no work may be carried out on the territory without a permit. The guards then left the Bank along with the Stantec surveyors.

Unidentified security guard escorting Stantec workers, Oct 29, 2015. Photo: Facebook

The Quin Delta has been removed from active drilling and has been in the Port Edward dock for close to three weeks. Pacific NorthWest LNG continues to deny that the vessel was operating on Flora Bank despite photographic evidence that clearly shows the Quin Delta beached right on the Bank next to exposed eel grass (http://bit.ly/1SjVRks). Two barges continue to conduct unauthorized work on both Flora and Agnew Banks.

Unidentified security guard escorting Stantec workers, Oct 29, 2015. Photo: Facebook

The contractor boats Eagle 41, leased from Eaglecraft of Campbell River, and Glacial Mist, owned by Brian Catherall, have been operating an increasingly aggressive and dangerous manner over the past two weeks. On Wednesday, October 28, the Glacial Mist rammed one of our skiffs in the Lelu Slough with four Defenders on board. A video recording of the incident exists and will be posted online after legal review.

Our inventory of the damage already done to Lelu Island by Petronas and contractors since 2012 continues. We have identified over 100 cut blocks and drill sites and several culturally modified trees (CMTs) that were tagged and then cut down.

Construction of our first permanent cabin at the camp nears completion. We look forward to being able to comfortably accommodate more warriors and supporters on the island soon.

Photos and video:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/flora-lelu/albums