Dear Chief Nikal:
Wet’suwet’en First Nation would like to let you know that our full council supports your decision to engage with LNG for your nation. I understand full well that this is a decision that you are making in the best interest of your people and is for the long term. I also understand that this is an informed decision that is being made and that bringing community through the process of considering the pros and cons of signing on with the LNG isn’t an easy thing to do.
As a fellow Wet’suwet’en we can no longer continue with the status quo of administering poverty. As government chiefs we all want a better quality of life for our people in relation to education and training, better housing, better health and wellness and improve and enhance our language and culture to name a few. A quality of a strong visionary leader is one who can keep their eye on the big picture and be cognizant that everything you do as a leader is to benefit your people.
We admire your courage, tenacity and a willingness to step up to the plate and do something positive and innovative for your community while ensuring you balance all of the environmental concerns and impacts in your territory. We are fully aware of the impacts of what forestry and mining have done to our territories already. We agree that we want to ensure the highest environmental standards are met to ensure our traditional practices are still intact.
The Wet’suwet’en council stand beside you and support you through this process. It is sad as a leader to have to endure the lateral violence but take strength in knowing who you are, what you believe and what you stand for. We applaud your leadership, boldness and humility to stand strong for your people. As one of the 16 First Nations Limited Partnership (FNLP) we support you wholeheartedly and we welcome you to the FNLP.
We speak unity, peace and prosperity to our fellow Wet’suwet’en Nation.
With respect,
WET’SUWET’EN FIRST NATION
CHIEF KAREN OGEN
