By Victoria Leistman, Dirty Fuels Organizer
On February 4th, the Federal Court of Appeals in Canada dismissed Indigenous legal challenges to the Trans Mountain project: a disappointing decision that vitally affects the First Nations on the pipeline and tankers route, and cuts deep for many of us. Since 2017, many of you have contributed to Pull Together -- a cross border fundraising effort to help cover First Nations’ legal fees against the project. Together we have raised over 400K for this stage of the battle, so we know that this issue is important to all of us. That’s why we won’t back down.
We were disappointed to see that the 100-page legal decision had a narrow focus primarily on issues of process. The court did not engage in many of the issues raised by First Nations, such as oil spills and the precarious fate of Southern Resident orca. As a reminder, the Trans Mountain expansion would make the pipeline bigger than the Keystone XL pipeline and increase tanker traffic in the Salish Sea by 700 percent if completed.
Yet the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Squamish Nation, and Coldwater Indian Band issued a unanimous message of strength and determination to the press. As they stood together resolutely, the sounds of drumming and singing filled the room.
What happens next? Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish Nations are appealing to the Supreme Court of Canada, challenging an earlier Federal Court of Appeal decision. That Supreme Court decision is pending, and in the meantime, the Nations are reviewing all the other possible legal options.
As Chief Leah George-Wilson said, our work is not done. We need Washingtonian support more than ever to stand beside the Nations fighting this. Here’s what you can do right now:
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Please give today. Together we can ensure First Nations have the resources and staying power they need to see this historic court battle through. Share with your friends and family about this terrible project and ask them to give too.
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Want to know more about what this decision means for Indigenous Nations, and the path forward? Sign up for interactive webinars about Trans Mountain and the Pull Together effort. There are two coming up on Feb. 25th and March 3rd at 5pm.
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RSVP for Netse Mot on March 21st in Olympia! This event is being hosted by the Lummi Nation and will address the importance of following Indigenous leadership in efforts to protect the Salish Sea.
Thank you for standing in solidarity against Trans Mountain in Washington state. This is far from over and we're ready to stand with First Nations through this next stage of the fight!