Hereditary chiefs of the the Wet’suwet’en Nation have filed a formal complaint with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) over its financing of the controversial Coastal GasLink pipeline and LNG Canada project. The complaint, filed last week, highlights significant environmental harm and human rights violations resulting from the pipeline, which transports fracked gas from northeast British Columbia to an LNG export terminal in Kitimat.
Hereditary Chief Na’moks argues that JBIC’s approval of US$850 million in financing in 2021 occurred without securing the Wet’suwet’en Nation’s consent, a violation of both Canadian law and international human rights standards. He criticized the bank for failing to properly implement its environmental and social guidelines, thereby enabling a project that the Wet’suwet’en had repeatedly rejected.
The complaint signals broader concerns as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government prioritizes large fossil fuel infrastructure projects, including a potential LNG Canada expansion. Wet’suwet’en leadership warns that such projects are not only environmentally harmful but also disrespect Indigenous sovereignty and rights under both Canadian and international law.
As the LNG Canada project moves forward, opposition from Indigenous groups continues to grow. Carney’s emphasis on fast-tracking projects without securing consent from affected communities has sparked concerns about further escalating tensions with Indigenous nations. Legal experts and activists stress that meaningful consultation and free, prior, and informed consent must be at the heart of any infrastructure projects.
The complaint serves as a clear warning to both the government and private investors about the risks of ignoring Indigenous rights and environmental protections in major development projects.
This article has been corrected to reflect that the formal complaint had been filed by Hereditary Chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en Nation, not by the Wet’suwet’en Nation itself.
Comments