Xatśūll First Nation near Williams Lake is among nations across the country firmly reminding the Federal Government that major projects cannot advance without the direct involvement of First Nations.
"First Nations across Canada are already facing increased government overreach, and Bill C-5 is yet another example of Canada ignoring its constitutional and moral obligations to Indigenous Peoples," reads a June 19 press release by the nation.
The release comes at a time when First Nations from B.C. to Ontario have strongly vocalized their opposition to Bill C-5 which passed its first reading in the House of Commons on June 6. The One Canadian Economy Act aims to breakdown inter-provincial trade barriers to strengthen Canada's economy, and also provides pathways to accelerate the development of projects that are in the national interest.
Concerns have been raised that the pathways to accelerating projects undermine First Nations' abilities and rights to be directly involved in decision-making when it comes to any major project from mines, pipelines and ports. There is also concern that Bill C-5 allows such projects to advance without appropriate environmental assessments.
Xatśūll is adding its voice to the opposition and calling on Canada to uphold its commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, and First Nations’ Inherent Rights.
“Environmental assessments are not red tape — they are safeguards for our lands, waters, and future generations," said Kukpi7 (Chief) Rhonda Phillips of Xatśūll First Nation. "Bypassing these protections for short-term economic gain directly threatens Indigenous rights, ecosystems, and sacred sites.”
Phillips said the bill sets a dangerous precedent and that the federal government needs to be held accountable. The release paralleled Bill C-5 with B.C.'s recent Bills 14 and 15 which it is calling to have repealed.
"The government cannot continue to go rogue and make unilateral decisions that impact our territories, our people, and our laws," Phillips said.
The release also said that proceeding with Bill C-5 needs to be halted if Canada wants to move forward with a promise made by King Charles III during his Speech from the Throne in which he said a new Major federal Project Office would allow for faster project approval while also upholding world-leading environmental standards and constitutional obligations to Indigenous Peoples.
“Bill C-5 is not reconciliation — it’s colonialism rebranded,” said Kukpi7 Phillips. “We cannot allow this country to take steps backward when it comes to Indigenous rights and environmental protection. Our Nations are watching. Our lands are not for sale. And our voices will not be silenced.”
The release also said that proceeding with the legislation would lead to unnecessary costs and delays as the country would find itself facing lawsuits.
Xatśūll First Nation was heavily impacted by the 2014 Mount Polley Mine tailings breach which led to 25 million cubic metres of water, tailings and debris to flood into Quesnel Lake. It devastated Xatśūll's territory and continues to impact their rights, culture and way of life to this day, the nation says.
