(Vancouver, BC) – BC Métis Federation has continued to work with partner communities, agencies, and members throughout British Columbia to ensure their interests and concerns are addressed, especially as it relates to government and industry consultation regarding projects or programs that currently or potentially will affect their community. BC Métis Federation has continued to engage with various industry proponents on a number of projects and today BC Métis Federation is announcing a Letter of Understanding that was signed between Kinder Morgan Canada and BC Métis Federation earlier this week regarding the proposed Trans Mountain Expansion Project.
In May of 2013 BC Mètis Federation arranged a provincial forum with representatives of Kinder Morgan Canada in Prince George to address questions about the proposed Trans Mountain Pipelines Expansion. Following this initial meeting BC Métis Federation and partner community leaders discussed potential next steps. Consequently BC Métis Federation was mandated to engage Kinder Morgan Canada on two fronts; first establish community based meetings to ensure grassroots Métis members could better understand the project and second pursue a Métis specific Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge study. The signed Letter of Understanding provides an agreement between the BC Métis Federation and Kinder Morgan Canada to meet the first step. Meetings are now being arranged with Métis communities and members within the project corridor including Kelly Lake, Valemont, Kamloops, Fraser Valley, Surrey, Vancouver, and North Saanich.
BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry stated; “The BC Métis Federation is pleased with this agreement. We understand our Métis communities and members want to be directly consulted and we are supporting this important process. BC Métis Federation has taken many industry proponents to task for their inability to properly consult with Métis people most potentially affected, this ensures our members and partners will have information to better understand the project and consider next steps in making informed decisions.”
BC Métis Federation President Henry added; “The Trans Mountain Expansion Project raises many concerns regarding the environmental impacts and there is considerable opposition within many Aboriginal communities. However, BC Métis Federation recognizes the mandate in May by our partner communities and we are pleased that the Letter of Understanding was reached. This is only a first step in many ways and we are going to provide a report following the meetings in our communities that reports on the interests and concerns. The BC Métis Federation will be posting the dates for community meetings soon and we strongly encourage Métis individuals to attend. ”
BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry concluded; “BC Métis Federation is not against industry projects that meet the values and do not negatively impact Métis communities or their cultural practices. The proposed Trans Mountain Expansion Project is a major pipeline expansion and communities need to be informed about all aspects of the project to ensure views and are shared and your input is heard that support a future position based on accurate information. BC Métis Federation created an initial assessment and the future community work will further add to the overall Metis Assessment. Finally BC Métis Federation is pleased to see this recognition with industry that BC Métis Federation and our member communities represent over 7000 legitimate constituents and we are ensuring the fiduciary duty for Métis consultation is respected and steps taken to support engagement.”
Watch for future meeting dates and for more information about the BC Métis Federation please view the website at www.bcmetis.com.
Media Inquiries:
Keith Henry
President
BC Métis Federation
#300-3665 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2
Office 1-604-638-7220
Cell 1-778-388-5013
Email k.henry@bcmetis.com
You can now follow BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry on twitter @keithhenryMetis
[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-Press-Release-September-8th-2013-BC-Metis-Federation-Recognition.pdf” style=”download”]Download the Press Release in PDF[/ilink]
[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/Signed-Agreement-September-2013.pdf” style=”download”]Signed Agreement September 2013[/ilink]
[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/Kinder-Morgan-Trans-Mountain-Expansion-Preliminary-Assessment-July-20131.pdf” style=”download”]Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Expansion Preliminary Assessment July 2013[/ilink]
