Dear sir,
With all the focus lately on the proposed Northern Gateway Project, little is said regarding the danger to our much-loved Kitimat River.
Consider what the Kitimat River is to us:
q The source of our drinking water
q Home of all the local species of spawning salmon
q Feeding grounds for a endless list of wildlife
q A valuable part of recreation for many
q The main feeding tributary into the north end of Douglas Channel including the estuary
q The fish hatchery
q The source of countless tourism dollars every year into our community
I realize what is at risk and ask each and everyone living here to reflect on the future of Kitimat without this healthy resource.
A critical resource that wouldn’t return to what we presently know it as anytime soon if the unthinkable were to happen.
I’m speaking of a bitumen leak from the proposed Enbridge pipeline that will parallel the Kitimat River all the way to the Douglas Channel.
I recently attended the Joint Review Panel hearings in the Kitamaat Village Recreation Centre and was moved by the solidarity, strength and grace shown by the Haisla Nation.
A Nation which has taken a stand against Enbridge and which shoulders the highest risks and has the most to lose.
Ironically their future existence mirrors the one of the Kitimat River.
I witnessed the Haisla in what I feel must have been one of their proudest moments in saying ‘no’ to Enbridge and the meddling of Stephen Harper and Joe Oliver in this JRP process.
The Haisla have decided to send a strong signal to Enbridge’s proposed Northern Gateway Project.
They are fighting for themselves; they are fighting for their future existence; they are fighting for us all.
I can’t in good conscience stand by and let them fight for me without participating in that fight.
It’s time to support our Haisla neighbours and unite the two communities with one strong voice.
Contact your politicians whether local, provincial or federal and tell them what you think – they represent you.
This is the hot topic in the Northwest currently being debated within Prince Rupert, Kitimat and Smithers Councils.
I commend individuals such as Terrace’s mayor, Mr. Dave Pernarowski, for supporting the Haisla and for speaking up against this project.
It takes courage to take a stand.
Kelly Marsh
