Photograph by: GORDON HOEKSTRA
After reading the article “There will be no pipeline” by Gordon Hoekstra, I understand that the First Nation people concern about sustainable development.
Many First Nation people suppose that spilling of oil is going to damage the whole environment. The Stuart Lake is home for lots of animals, like salmon, geese, black bears, and beaver. If oil leaks out at the bottom of the lake, the animals are in danger.
However, the possibility of oil leaking is insignificant. According to Enbridge’s calculation, “the probability of a major rupture in the B.C. Interior is once in 1,566 years (about a 0.06-per-cent chance a year). For a “pinhole” leak, the probability is once in 79 years (about 1.2 per cent a year)” (paragraph 45, Hoekstra) If the number is precise, people should not worry about the environment’s risk.
Actually, about 40 percent of First Nations in BC support Enbridge’s Northern Gateway oil pipeline project. There might be more First Nations agree to sign on the equity sharing agreement. After all, they need development.
First Nations own many businesses. Nak’azdli owns a grocery store and a gas station, and have a share in several lumber, and bioenergy companies. However, they do not agree with this project.
Though they do not oppose developing, they care of their home.
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