Nisga'a activist's blockade and petition show local opposition to LNG

On Monday morning, a grassroots activist blocked a road leading to a work camp in Nisga’a territory that will support the construction of the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline (PRGT).  

Richard Mercer, the spokesperson for an internal opposition to natural gas development, described the blockade as the beginning of what he says is a growing movement against fossil fuel development within the Nisga’a nation. The blockade started at 6 a.m. and was taken down three hours later, Mercer said in an interview. 

Mercer represents a group called the Tribal Protectors Alliance Society and has launched a local petition with over 200 signatures to explore an injunction against the construction of the PRGT. The group also opposes the Ksi Lisims development writ large, which includes a terminal that will ship liquified natural gas to Asian markets arriving from the pipeline.

Mercer says his nation has yet to conduct an updated environmental assessment on the pipeline, which still carries environmental assessment permits dating back to 2014. He also told Canada’s National Observer that the injunction he’s trying for will provide a catalyst for future opposition within the Niga’a Nation.

Mercer’s blockade followed just days after members of the neighbouring Gitanyow set up their own, disrupting construction trucks moving through their traditional territory along the Cranberry Connector.  

Gamlakyeltxw Wil Marsden, a Gitanyow Hereditary Chief, told Canada’s National Observer that his nation will “fully support anyone who will stand with us.” He also notes that he has heard of growing concern about the environment in the Nisga’a Nation around LNG that has sparked an emerging movement against Ksi Lisims LNG, the Nisga’a-led project.

In the past, both the Gitanyow and Nisga’a have had land claim disputes. The conflict stems back to the Nisga’a modern treaty that was implemented at the beginning of this century, making it the first modern treaty in B.C. 

However, the treaty is facing increased opposition and scrutiny from Nisga’a citizens, according to Marsden.

In setting up his blockade, Mercer is expressing his concerns about traditional harvesting grounds and the water of his nation. He also worries about future spills within Nisga’a territory from the PRGT. 

He says the Nisga’a need to oppose corporate interests on their land, adding, “They can't be bossing us around.” 

“Nobody wants to stand up to that, but will be happy to do that blockade,” he said. “And that was to show the investors that we’re just getting started.” 

Mercer also accused both Ksi Lisims leadership and Nisga’a leadership of a lack of transparency with citizens, urging both for increased consultation, noting that right now, “it’s almost like they’re making their own corporate boardroom decisions without us.” 

The PRGT pipeline was bought by the Nisga’a Nation and its industry partner Western LNG from TC Energy in March. The proposed pipeline will connect Coastal GasLink to the Ksi Lisims terminal, jointly owned by the Nisga’a and Western LNG. 

The PRGT is designed to transport natural gas about 775 kilometres from northeastern B.C. to Ksi Lisims.

In a previous statement given to Canada’s National Observer, Western LNG said the company believes in free speech and peaceful assembly. The company also said PRGT will continue to seek constructive dialogue with First Nations, focusing on “resolving issues and realizing opportunities.”

Matteo Cimellaro / Canada’s National Observer / Local Journalism Initiative