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(NISGA’A NATION, B.C.) – Nisga’a leaders, business owners, and workers gathered at Nass Camp to celebrate the start of construction on the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project (“PRGT”). Following a mobilization and preparation period, the construction phase officially began on Saturday, August 24th.
“Today we are breaking new ground, not just at the PRGT worksite, but for the Nisga’a people and all Indigenous people in Canada,” said Eva Clayton, President of the Nisga’a Lisims Government. “For the first time in Canadian history, construction is underway on a major pipeline project that is owned equally by a First Nation. There is great enthusiasm and optimism in our Nation. We are ready to guide this project forward with the Nisga’a values of unity, respect, and compassion.”
“We’re just starting to see the thousands of opportunities that this project will bring to the Nisga’a,” said Brian Tait, Executive Chairperson of the Nisga’a Lisims Government. “Opportunities to turn jobs into careers, to build thriving businesses, to return home, to raise your kids, and for them to raise their kids – here in the beautiful Nass Valley. It's been said many times before, and it’s very true today, that the best thing we can do for our youth is to stop managing poverty and start building prosperity.”
This year’s construction activities are limited to Nisga’a territory only and will include clearing 43 kilometres of right-of-way, installation of over 9 bridges, and repairs and upgrading to over 40 kilometres of access roads. Work will also include the installation of offices and a worker accommodation facility with the capacity to house between 200-250 workers. Construction is being advanced this year to maintain permit compliance and align development scheduling with the Ksi Lisims LNG facility.
“The PRGT project is an opportunity to plant a seed of prosperity for the Nisga’a Nation, and for Nations along the pipeline corridor,” said Davis Thames, President of Western LNG. “Seeing Nisga’a businesses and citizens already at work is a great first step. We are looking forward to engagement and dialogue with all other right-of-way Nations to continue advancing the project for the benefit of communities across northern B.C.”
“Our creator has blessed us with the knowledge and wisdom to share the goodness in life,” said Simo’ogit K’eexkw Herb Morven, Chairperson, Council of Elders. “This was done by our ancestors and we continue in that tradition with this project: every time the Eulachon arrived, the neighbours would come and share. Sharing opportunities and prosperity so all Nisga’a citizens can enjoy a better life, is what this project is all about.”
The groundbreaking ceremony can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/NLGNisgaaNation/videos/
About the Nisga’a Nation / Western LNG joint venture:
The Nisga’a Nation and Western LNG are dedicated to promoting Indigenous participation and ownership in the energy sector. Committed to sustainable development and economic empowerment, the joint venture aims to create a lasting positive impact within First Nations communities across northern B.C.
Media enquiries:
Rebecca Scott, Western LNG
rscott@westernlng.com
Paul Mercer, Nisga’a Lisims Government
paulm@nisgaanation.ca
