Coastal First Nations are contesting a claim by Enbridge Inc. that the company has signed equity agreements with 60% of the First Nations along the proposed B.C. and Alberta route of the Northern Gateway Pipeline Project.
"We have checked with all of the First Nations on the pipeline route west of Prince George and only two First Nations signed equity agreements," said Art Sterritt, Coastal First Nations executive director.
Sterritt called Enbridge's claim "a sham" and contended that the companhy has expanded its pipeline corridor by 80 kilometres to "increase its numbers."
"Many of these communities that have signed on are located outside of the areas that will be most impacted by a spill," he added.
Sterritt also contends that Enbridge has included in its count groups that either aren't located on the pipeline corridor or don't have land in B.C., including Métis communities.
"We are absolutely mystified about the inclusion of the Métis in Enbridge's 60%," he said. "It's ridiculous to include groups that don't have aboriginal rights and title to land within the pipeline corridor."
And in a statement issued this morning, the BC Métis Federation denied that it was in support of the pipeline, as claimed by Enbridge, saying that not all of the Métis communities were adequately consulted.
BC Métis Federation president Keith Henry stated, "The Enbridge suggestion about support including Métis in British Columbia is absolutely false and misleading the public. The Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) announced support on behalf of Métis people in B.C. but they do not represent all Métis people."
Enbridge was not immediately available for comment.
