Despite the Canadian government and Enbridge’s wishes, many First Nations groups refuse to allow the pipeline to be build. The opposition group is led by the Yinka Dene Alliance who claim that the proposed pipeline would devastate their traditional land.

In 2010, a Enbridge pipeline carrying tar sand oil burst in Michigan, pouring almost a million gallons of crude oil into the Kalamazoo river. One of the main fears for First Nations groups is the effect an oil spill could have on the ecosystem, namely on sockeye salmon and the Nechako white sturgeon, culturally important species.

The lifestyle led by First Nations group relies on traditional food and land, and it should be protected. Many First Nations groups worked in keyohs, areas where families had the right to gather food and hunt. The land has a rich history, essentially each families home. The pipelines would completely destroy the systematic keyoh system.

Enbridge however does has the support of some groups. The company claims 26 of the 40 First Nations groups on the proposed path have already signed equity sharing agreements.

Though it would be impossible to garner the support of each First Nations group, so long as there are groups opposed to the destruction of their native land, Enbridge and the Canadian government have no right to build a pipeline through their homes.

Sources:

http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Premier+urges+cooperation+more+litigation+government+natives+reach+fork+road/10194776/story.html

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/There+will+pipeline/10122968/story.html