Indigenous ownership won’t solve problems with Trans Mountain pipeline, says Squamish Nation councillor

Proposal to buy pipeline being discussed by Indigenous leaders

CBC Radio, Jan 17, 2019

More than 100 First Nations are considering a plan to buy the Trans Mountain pipeline, but not all Indigenous leaders affected by the expansion are convinced.

“For us, it doesn’t change anything, who owns it,” said Khelsilem, a Squamish Nation councillor.

Squamish Nation challenging B.C.’s approval of Kinder Morgan project in court

Kinder Morgan Westridge Marine Terminal gate – photo by Mychaylo Prystupa, Vancouver Observer.

Provincial judicial review expected to last all week, Squamish Nation arguing consultation was inadequate

CBC News, November 6, 2017

The Squamish Nation says it was not given adequate information about the safety risks associated with Kinder Morgan’s proposed Trans Mountain expansion project. It’s taking that argument to the B.C. Supreme Court this week in hopes of stopping the expansion.

Squamish Nation accused of not following through on reforms

Left: Squamish Nation Chief Ian Campbell. Right: Squamish Nation member and curent electoral officer Khelsilem Photo: File

Leadership says reform commission didn’t stick to its mandate

by Jennifer Thuncher, Squamish Chief, October 19, 2017

A prominent Squamish Nation member is speaking out about what he sees as political interference in the band’s current election reform process.

In 2015, an independent electoral commission was set up to revise the 1981 Squamish Indian Band Election Regulations. 

First Nations begin court challenge against Trans Mountain pipeline

Tsleil-Waututh Nation spokesperson Rueben George at Vancouver press conference about a legal challenge to NEB’s Kinder Morgan pipeline hearing. Photo by Mychaylo Prystupa, National Observer.

Similar court challenge derailed Enbridge’s Northern gateway pipeline

CBC News, October 2, 2017

First Nations, environmental groups and local governments appeared in the Federal Court of Appeal in Vancouver Monday continuing their fight against the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline.

Squamish Nation files new lawsuit against Kinder Morgan pipeline

Protests against Kinder Morgan exploratory drilling on Burnaby Mountain, 2014.

Province’s environmental approval challenged

by Brent Richter / North Shore News, May 1, 2017

The Squamish Nation has launched another lawsuit in an effort to stop Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline, this time targeting the provincial government.

The petition filed in B.C. Supreme Court on April 20 asks for a judicial review of the province’s decision to grant the pipeline an environmental certificate, alleging the province failed in its constitutional duty to consult with the First Nation.

Sacred stories of mythical battles part of climbing B.C.’s Stawamus Chief

Stawamus Chief near Squamish, BC. Photo: 604 Pulse.com

by Geordon Omand, CTV News/The Canadian Press, September 21, 2015

SQUAMISH, B.C. — The Stawamus Chief on Canada’s West Coast is a world-renowned rock-climbing destination known for its beautiful multi-pitch routes and unrivalled crack-climbing pitches.

But many visiting outdoor enthusiasts are unaware that the iconic granite monolith also carries the scars of a legendary battle.

The region’s Squamish people tell of the mythical hero Xwech’taal vanquishing the double-headed sea serpent Sinulhkay before uniting the Squamish Nation.

First Nations canoeists protest pipeline twinning

CBC News, Sept 1, 2012

Dozens of paddlers in First Nations canoes took to the water Saturday to protest the twinning of the Kinder Morgan pipeline, a project which proposes to dramatically increase crude oil shipments from Alberta to Burnaby.