First Nations say they’ve secured major work stoppage on Site C dam in advance of injunction application

Site C dam construction. Photo: Desmog Canada

by Charlie Smith, February 26, 2018

Many assumed the $10.7-billion Site C dam was a done deal when Premier John Horgan announced in December that B.C. Hydro would complete the project.

That perception was reinforced less than two weeks later when the Crown utility chose its preferred proponent for the generation station and spillways civil-works contract.

‘A reconciliation fail’: B.C. First Nations promise court action over NDP’s approval of Site C

‘There are thousands of people that are bitterly disappointed,’ says leader of Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs

By Andrew Kurjata, CBC News, Dec 12, 2017

Moments after B.C. Premier John Horgan announced his government would allow construction of the Site C dam to move forward, the West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations promised to go to court to stop the project, while others criticized the NDP for breaking campaign promises to respect the rights of Indigenous people.

BC Hydro facing federal order, heavy fines for Site C sediment and erosion problems

Out of the fog, earth moving equipment keeps going at a steady pace on slope stabilization work in the site preparation for BC Hydro’s Site C dam construction project. Derrick Penner / PNG

by Larry Pynn, Vancouver Sun, January 5, 2017

BC Hydro is facing a federal order as early as Friday and potential fines of up to $400,000 due to erosion and sediment problems at the $9-billion Site C dam project in the province’s northeast.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency has issued Hydro with a “notice of intent” to proceed with enforcement action unless the provincial Crown corporation provides assurances that problems are being addressed.

RCMP officers cleared in shooting death of Site C protester in Dawson Creek

The scene of the RCMP shooting in Dawson Creek, BC, July 16, 2015.

James McIntyre was killed by RCMP after he confronted them wearing a mask and wielding a knife

By Andrew Kurjata, CBC News, November 16, 2016

The Independent Investigations Office has cleared an RCMP officer of any wrong-doing in a fatal shooting in Dawson Creek last year.

On the evening of July 16, two officers were dispatched to the Stonebridge Hotel where a meeting on the controversial Site C dam project had just taken place.

Why B.C.’s Site C dam could become a national issue

Opponents of the $8.8 billion dam hope this week’s federal court case marks a tipping point

By Justin McElroy, CBC News, September 11, 2016

For the last week, a large bus with the slogan “Stand with First Nations to protect the Peace River” on its sides has been making its way across Canada.

A federal judge will hear an appeal from two northeastern B.C. First Nations groups in Montreal on Monday about the $8.8 billion dam known as Site C. The Treaty 8 First Nations want construction to stop on the Site C dam site, saying it infringes on their traditional hunting, fishing and trapping rights. 

B.C. Hydro CEO refuses to halt Site C, says Amnesty report wrong

B.C. Hydro president Jessica McDonald says some First Nations groups approve Site C

The Canadian Press, August 10, 2016

B.C. Hydro president Jessica McDonald says the Crown corporation has reached wide-ranging agreements with some First Nations concerned about the $8.8-billion Site-C hydroelectric dam project in northeastern B.C.

McDonald rejects a recent call to halt work on the project, saying talks and consultations have gone on since 2007 and recent agreements will mitigate potential impacts of the project.

Site C protester taken to hospital 19 days into hunger strike in Vancouver

Kristin Henry was taken to hospital on the evening of March 31 after she had carried out a hunger strike for nearly three weeks. Photo: The Georgia Straight.

by Travis Lupick, The Georgia Straight, April 1, 2016

A young woman has been taken to hospital after falling ill nearly three weeks into a hunger strike she’s held in protest of the Site C dam.

ince March 13, Kristin Henry, 24, has camped outside the BC Hydro building at 333 Dunsmuir Street.

Woman on hunger strike for 18 days to protest building of Site C Dam

Camp established outside BC Hydro headquarters in Vancouver, BC. Photo: Global News

By Amy Judd, Global News, March 31, 2016

It has been 18 days since Kristin Henry has eaten.

She has been on a hunger strike outside BC Hydro’s offices in Vancouver in protest over the building of the Site C Dam.

“The Treaty 8 Nations have brought to court the objections to the development of the Site C Dam in the Peace Valley and the construction companies who have been contracted to clear-cut the forests are not waiting for the judges’ decisions in the court,” said Nick, a friend of Henry’s, who did not want his last name used. “So there’s illegal construction of a dam happening right now.”

SITE C/TREATY 8 STEWARDS OF THE LAND HUNGER STRIKES CONTINUE WITH WOMEN’S FAST TODAY

Women hunger strikers outside BC Hydro building in Vancouver, BC, March 4, 2016.

On Friday March 4th, 2016, the women will hold a second day of hunger strike action outside the BC Hydro building in downtown Vancouver (333 Dunsmuir), in support of the Site C/Treaty 8 Stewards of the Land encampment that was forcibly removed by a court injunction applied for by BC Hydro, granted by the BC Supreme Courts and enforced by the RCMP. This will be the second day of hunger strikes Those participating include Anushka Azadi, Elizabeth Biggar, Mary Lovell, _____.

Site C Hunger Hunger Strike at Vancouver BC Hydro

Hunger strikers against the proposed Site C dam outside BC Hydro building in Vancouver, March 3, 2016. Photo: facebook

Supporters of Treaty 8 Stewards of the Land Camp daily hunger strike after the northern camp was dismantled by the RCMP. Please show your support by attending the BC Hydro building. Not everyone is expected to hunger strike!

Beginning on Thursday, we invite everyone to gather daily from 8am to 5pm with the intention of shaming BC Hydro, who are violating treaty 8 rights and preparing to decimate vital agricultural lands in the Peace Valley.