David Suzuki on the Site C dam, population, power and asking critical questions.

David Suzuki is liberated since he resigned from the board of his non-profit. He is speaking his mind and his heart at every opportunity. With all the political bafflegab, it's a pleasure to hear straight talk, based on some real understanding and experience. In this case, he focuses on the Site C dam in northern British Columbia as an example of excess.

We've disconnected ourselves from the real economy and elevated the market as an object of worship. "What's an economy for?" "Are there no limits?"

Coastal first nations are 100% against the Enbridge pipeline. "There are things more important than money." We're out of touch with the planet, largely because of the shift to city life.

More evidence that First Nations leadership is against the Enbridge Pipeline

It's becoming increasingly clear that Enbridge optimism about support is on pretty shaky ground. In case there's any doubt, here's what Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs' Stewart Phillip has to say on their opposition to the Enbridge pipeline:

 CBC Television, July 30, 2012

The Tsilhqot'in Fight for Teztan Biny / Fish Lake

There are areas in the Chilcotin region (and elsewhere in BC) where significant elements of the indigenous culture are still viable. This, despite the decimation of smallpox, evidently encouraged by the early settlers in their wish to take over inhabited land. The occupation continues to this day, currently in a plan to start a mine and dump the tailings in a nearby lake. This became possible after the government removed protective laws on such a practice. The video is about the lake and the people whose lives are entwined with its presence. It provides an insight into the lives of the Tsilhqot'in (Chilcotin) people and a culture still significantly integrated with the natural world - and what we all stand to lose if the mine goes ahead.

Blue Gold: The Tsilhqot'in Fight for Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) from Susan Smitten on Vimeo.

March 26: DFO raises concerns with Taseko fish plan.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada raised concerns about Taseko Mines Ltd.’s fish compensation plan for the proposed prosperity mine while at the federal review panel hearings Wednesday.
March 22, 2010: Williams Lake BC; Commencement of Federal Environmental Assessment Review Panel's public hearings on Taseko Mines Ltd's proposed Prosperity Mine, which would destroy Teztan Biny (Fish Lake). This coincides with 2010 World Water Day and events will be held in Williams Lake and other communities to highlight this fact.

• March 22-25: Movie may be shown at Public Hearing in Williams Lake
• Tom Swanky: The Tsilhqot'in War and the Smallpox Plot
• First Nations Women Advocating Responsible Mining

Many well-intentioned and good people have been induced by the usual false hopes for windfall profits fanned by mining speculators, or by a fear of the always unknown and certain future, to campaign in favour of Prosperity. To exhaust the natural resources owned by the Tsilhqot’in without their consent; to destroy a heritage site with a future potential for the useful education of all concerning different approaches to resource utilization; to risk the contamination of a river system; to risk a new error in the hope of compensating for the mismanagement of the forest industry; and so on. All for what gain? All for the benefit of less than $100 a head for twenty years and an artificial lake suited to the tastes of rich sports fishermen from elsewhere.  -  Tom Swanky. From a submission to the upcoming Environmental Assessment Panel.

The New Campaign to protect Fish Lake  2012 - 2013

Tyee article sheds some light on BC Native land claims

Aboriginal land claims in BC appear so complex that, given so many other matters that take my time, I seek to find simple principles amidst the details. There is little written in the mainstream media that has brought me much closer to understanding. This opinion article by Dave Porter, Chief Judith Sayers and Grand Chief Edward John in The Tyee (which is not quite mainstream), seems to cast some light on the processes and principles involved:

New Day for BC Native Claims
'Xeni decision' casts doubt on provincial authority over First Nations land dealings.

The inspirational words in the judgment of Justice Vickers of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Tsilhqot'in Nation v. British Columbia ("Xeni decision") ought to convince both Prime Minister Harper and Premier Campbell of the existence of Aboriginal peoples, and to recognize and respect the Aboriginal rights and title of each.

Read on