(Fort St. John, BC) BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry attended and supported partner community Kelly Lake Métis Settlement Society (KLMSS) and their President Lyle C. Letendre with a presentation during the Joint Review Panel assessing the potential impacts of the proposed Site C Hydroelectric project in northeast BC. A three member panel is holding a series of meetings regarding the BC Hydro application to design and construct a major hydro electric dam in the Fort St. John area.
The presentation of KLMSS focused on answering and providing input on four specific questions:
1. Aboriginal rights that may be adversely affected by the project;
2. The manner in which this project may adversely affect these rights;
3. The location of these Aboriginal rights; and
4. Measures that may avoid the negative impacts.
BC Métis Federation President Henry stated, “This was important for the BC Métis Federation to support leadership and members in Kelly Lake. We supported that the project would adversely impact their Métis community and that the lack of recognition of Métis rights in British Columbia continues to have a major negative impact to families who have legitimate Métis rights claims.”
BC Métis Federation President Henry added, “While answering the questions I also reviewed what the Powley Métis rights case actually meant. To that end it was out position that other Métis assertions were not valid because although they may have interests and Métis people, they do not meet the required tests of Métis rights set out in the 10 points set out by the Supreme Court of Canada, unlike the Métis community in Kelly Lake.”
Kelly lake Métis Settlement Society President Letendre stated; “I made it very clear that the disrespect by industry and government to respect our Métis rights while exploiting our territory is no longer acceptable. I urged the joint review panel to support our recognition and I appreciated that the Joint Review Panel chair reaffirmed our recognition.”
BC Métis Federation President Henry concluded; “A strong presentation and information was provided and it is my hopes that the Métis rights for people of Kelly Lake are protected and supported. This project faces significant challenges and large opposition. We will make sure that regardless of the outcome the Métis interests are protected including air, water, animals and the land..”
For more information about the BC Métis Federation please go to 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=”[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-Press-Release-January-17-2014-Site-C-Hydro.pdf” style=”download”]Download this Press Release in PDF[/ilink]
[ilink url=”[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/KLMSS-CEAA-Presentation-January-2014.pdf” style=”download”]KLMSS CEAA Presentation January 2014[/ilink]
