The Haisla Nation today celebrates the federal government’s announcement that it will not undertake further consultations on Enbridge’s Northern Gateway Pipeline Project.

“We raised profound concerns about this project as early as 2005,” says Crystal Smith, Acting Chief Councillor. “We took the steps necessary to protect the environmental integrity of our land, waters and resources for future generations. We have long said that this is the wrong project, moving the wrong product, through the wrong Territory. We are hugely relieved and gratified that the efforts of a succession of Haisla Nation Councils and of our people as a whole have been successful, and that this project is not going to proceed.”

Canada, under the former federal administration, conditionally approved Northern Gateway, forcing the Haisla Nation, along with many other Aboriginal Nations and environmental groups, to turn to the Courts. On June 23, 2016, the Federal Court of Appeal condemned Canada’s failure, under the former government, to consult with and accommodate Aboriginal Nations as required by Canada’s Constitution. The Court set aside Northern Gateway’s Certificate.

The simultaneous announcement of the North Coast crude oil tanker ban adds further protection for Haisla Nation waters and seashores while allowing transportation of more environmentally friendly substances like liquefied natural gas