Summary:
As Enbridge wants to run its $7.9 billion pipelines, they should always beg to consider the rights of the First Nations people. In this case, the proposed pipeline locations are where the waters of Nak’al Koh are situated, which are home to many types of wildlife. The Yinka Dene Alliance is head of the opposition of the project.

What are the concerns?
Essentially, because there is such diverse wildlife, including the endangered Nechako white sturgeon, an oil spill could definitely wreak havoc on the environment, potentially destroying the whole ecosystem. Moreover, because of the Supreme’s Court recent decision granting Tshiqhot’in to 1,750sq km in central BC, there is now increased tension and focus on the rights of aboriginal people. Some people wonder that because of the creation of new jobs due to development of the land, why the First Nations tribes do not agree with this project. The answer, in my opinion, is relatively simple. While development is definitely something that people look forward to as a progression of society, certain types of development hinder and wipe out the natural culture and habitat of areas.
For people like Lillian Sam, the land is precious, and the maintaining of cultural practice can only come via the same lands.

What now?
As legal battles continue on and disputes continue to arise time and time again, one should examine the possible consequences and benefits of such a project (that Enbridge is planning). On one hand, while it will enable provision of oil to many areas of Canada, there are the concerns which were addressed above. One should also take note of the fact that pipelines could destroy the natural scenery and formation of the land, and the disruption of a such a balanced and preserved environment could be costly for the ecology of Canada as a whole. In my opinion, it is important to keep in mind our roots and where we Canadians come from, and that ultimately, we should make a decision about our lands, not business people.

Source: Vancouver Sun