The Four Worlds International Institute

Tsleil-Waututh First Nation Concerned About Oil Tankers in Vancouver

Rueben George, Sundance Chief and Member of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, expresses his concerns to the Vancouver City Council about the crude oil tankers now passing through Burrard Inlet at the rate of 2 per week, with plans by pipeline company Kinder-Morgan to expand that traffic to 288/year, including dredging Burrard Inlet. George points out that those waters are traditional Tsleil-Waututh territory. In response Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson acknowledges that the Council shares George's concerns about the effect an oil spill would have on the region, and about questionable decisions being made at the Federal level.

Views: 328

Comment

You need to be a member of The Four Worlds International Institute to add comments!

Join The Four Worlds International Institute

Comment by Lee Mason on July 16, 2011 at 10:25pm
Chief Justin George was very recently re-elected for a second term, Justin is Chief Leonard George's son, Rueben is Justin's cousin. The Tsleil Waututh are a very progressive and forward looking First Nation that keep their culture, language, traditions and responsibilities to Mother Earth and all living things at the forefront as they take great steps toward a bright and healthy future. I am honored to have many Tsliel Waututh members as friends and colleagues. They are a fine example of what can be accomplished with healthy leadership and a community that works together for the betterment of all.
Comment by Stephen Bamford on July 16, 2011 at 12:17pm

This gentleman is doing good work. 

 

One thing that gave me pause for concern was one of the mayor's comments.  The mayor as I understood it is the guy in the light blue.  He spoke of having the Tsleil-Waututh people as "partners." 

 

Partnership could be a dangerous thing, something that results in the co-optation of the Tsleil-Waututh and other First Nations people as these things move throught the 'mill.' 

 

I offer this as a cautionary note with the hopes that Chief George's position prevails.  I wish him and his good luck and best wishes. 

Comment by Lee Mason on July 16, 2011 at 11:48am
Happy to see that Rueben is playing an active role in the Tsleil Waututh Nations future. In my opinion the George family has always lead in a good way.
Comment by Suresh Fernando on July 16, 2011 at 10:51am
Hey Phil - thanks for sharing this. I was involved, to some extent, with the Day for the Bay event that was organized in protest of the tankers and know several of the organizers in this space. Are you working on anything specific that we might be able to collaborate on?
Comment by Phil Lane Jr. on July 16, 2011 at 9:59am
The City of Vancouver has launched a goal of being the " Greenest  City " in the world by 2020. How can this be when actions are unfolding to dredge Burrard Inlet so that 288  Oil Tankers, each with 1 million barrels of Tar Sands Oil ,per Tanker, can travel through the Burrard Inlet and the Straits of Juan de Fuca to China. From my perspective this is unacceptable under any circumstances

Guiding Principles

Starting From Within, Working in a Circle, in a Sacred Manner, We Heal and Develop Ourselves, Our Relationships, and the World.

Events

Order Online

© 2024   Created by Phil Lane Jr..   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service