The Nisga’a Nation is going all in with its Ksi Lisims LNG project, announcing last week, along with Texas bases partner, Western LNG, that they will be purchasing the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline from TC Energy to feed their proposed LNG facility.  

The PRGT received it’s EA permits a decade ago and is still active, however it’s due to expire in November. But if the current permit is granted a second extension, something the provincial NDP government has not committed to do so far, the pipeline could land in the hands of the Nisga’a Nation. The pipeline was originally approved for Petronas’ defuncted Pacific Northwest LNG, but it could still come to fruition as the Nisga’a Nation moves forward with their plans for a floating LNG facility on Pearse Island near the Nass River and the community of Gingolx.

However, this Indigenous lead mega-project is not without opposition. Garry Recce, Mayor of Lax Kw’alaams, and his council have been very vocal about their opposition to this project on account of the lack of consultation.

As well, the Gitanyow, an upriver nation whose territory encompasses parts of the Upper Nass and Kitwanga watersheds are concerned and disappointed over the inadequate consultation and the ridged Environment Review process.

Although CICK News reached out to the Nisga’a Nation for comment about the move to acquire the PRGT and the growing concerns with the review process, they didn’t respond before this broadcast. However, in a statement about purchasing the PRGT from TC Energy, Nisga’a Nation President, Eva Clayton said “In taking an equal ownership role in this pipeline, we are signalling a new era for Indigenous participation on the Canadian Economy.”

Today we’ll speak with Mayor of Lax Kw’alaams about his nations concerns over the project, and we’ll hear from Tara Marsden, Wilp Sustainability Director for the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs, about why the Gitanyow are calling out the Provincial Government over what they see as disregard for a thorough environmental review process.