Members of the Nine Tribes of the Coast Tsimshian held an information blockade between Terrace and Prince Rupert this afternoon.
Those present gathered to oppose the province’s proposed sale of over 22 thousand hectares of their land to the Nisga’a Nation.
As part of the Nasoga Gulf Lands, the Tribes say their ownership of the land is confirmed through history, oral traditions, and independant evaluations.
Lax Kw’alaams spokesman Stan Dennis and Metlakatla spokeswoman Joycelynn Mitchell say there is no justification or consent for the sale of the land.
But they, and others gathered, came prepared with solutions which offer benefits to all parties.
Those present at the blockade are requesting a meeting between them, the province, and the Nisga’a to hash out a collaborative agreement.
They say they are willing to participate in discussions regarding LNG development on the land, so long as it is done responsibly and with renewable infrastructure.
According to the Tribes, benefits of a collaborative solution include: an investment climate based on collaboration, not conflict, lowered emissions through a system of electrification and renewable sources, a chance to include other Nations, assessment benefits, and more.
