That's the argument I made in a Vancouver Sun opinion piece on the UBC rape chant controversy. I focused on the university's non-apology and its poor handling of the situation from both a moral and crisis communications perspective. I also did an interview with the CBC, which you can listen to below. What are your thoughts on this disturbing story?
Humpback Whale Photos
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First Nation Says Coast Guard Cleanup Of Sunken Munitions Ship Inspires 'Zero-Confidence' In Federal Government's Ability to Handle Enbridge's Proposed Oil Tankers
Federal government's 10-year response time and refusal to consider potentially toxic munitions, fails to ease community concerns about pollutants and oil spill response.
HARTLEY BAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - July 26, 2013) - The Gitga'at First Nation says today's announcement that the federal government will pump fuel from a sunken American munitions ship inspires little confidence in the government's ability to respond to oil spills and protect our coast.
The USAT Brigadier General M.G. Zalinski sank inside Gitga'at territorial waters in 1946, carrying at least twelve 500-pound bombs, large amounts of .30 and .50 caliber ammunition, and at least 700 tonnes of bunker oil. The ship began leaking oil in 2003, and in 2006 the federal government promised to clean up onboard fuel and munitions, but did nothing for years.
"Removing this bunker oil is long overdue, but it is not a full cleanup and it should not be used as a public relations exercise for the Conservative government's push to bring Enbridge's oil tankers to BC's coastal waters," said Arnold Clifton, Chief Councillor of the Gitga'at First Nation. "Where were they ten years ago when our community requested a cleanup?"
The Gitga'at say that a true cleanup would include the toxic munitions onboard the ship - which have never been fully assessed - as well as consultation with the community to insure that environmental and human health impacts are addressed, including bringing the Gitga'at's own expertise - not just the Department of Fisheries and Oceans - to ensure any risk assessment is consistent with the Nation's own Marine Use Plan.
"This has been a slow motion oil spill in our backyard for ten years," said Chief Clifton. "We are hopeful the Federal government will follow through on their announced plan. However, the 10-year response time, and limited scope of cleanup, gives our Nation zero confidence that the government is capable of handling Enbridge's proposed oil tanker traffic in our coastal waters."
The Gitga'at are concerned that the potential for toxic leaks from the onboard munitions and their potential impact on marine life and shellfish has never been addressed. Many of those same resources are already experiencing hydrocarbon pollution from the nearby Queen of the North ferry, which sank in 2006, as well as the Zalinski. They are concerned there may be even more toxic, unreported munitions on board.
The Gitga'at First Nation is one of nine coastal First Nations who have formally banned tar sands oil tankers from their lands and waters, based on their ancestral laws, rights and responsibilities. The nation recently instructed Enbridge to leave its territory after the company began project work without adequate prior notice or approval.
Contact Information:
Gitga'at First Nation Andrew Frank Communications Officer 604-367-2112
First Nations Warn Enbridge Against Trespassing; Call on BC Government to Withhold Drilling Permits for Unapproved Pipeline
As trespass signs go up, so do stakes for Christy Clark's relationship with BC First Nations and her government's plans for LNG development.
PRINCE GEORGE, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 27, 2013) - The Yinka Dene Alliance has sent a cease and desist letter and is warning Enbridge against trespassing in their traditional territories as the company seeks temporary permits for drilling and tree removal for its unapproved Northern Gateway pipeline, a project that is opposed by the BC government and more than 60% of British Columbians.
The Alliance, whose members' territories make-up 25% of the proposed pipeline route, say that Enbridge's actions and the BC government's potential indifference to granting temporary work permits, could put the government's new relationship with BC First Nations at risk, including future talks on pipelines and LNG.
"The BC government has a constitutional duty to us, and it needs to decide how much damage it is willing to allow Enbridge to do to its own relationship with First Nations," said Chief Fred Sam of the Nak'azdli First Nation. "Is BC really going to grant these permits to allow Enbridge to drill in our territory?'"
Last month, the Alliance, whose territory spans the width of the government's envisioned LNG corridor, wrote to Premier Clark, requesting a government-to-government meeting on pipelines and LNG, and received a personal commitment from the Premier to begin high-level talks at the earliest opportunity.
"Premier Clark has given us her personal commitment that this project will not go forward unless it meets her five conditions," said Chief Martin Louie of the Nadleh Whut'en First Nation. "While we thank and respect her for her position, we need to see it reflected on the land. In the meantime, we will enforce our laws and stand up for the people of BC who have said 'no' to Enbridge and its dangerous pipelines."
The temporary work permits are for the construction of 16 drilling pads adjacent to the Salmon, Stuart and Muskeg rivers including tree removal and road clearing, bringing Enbridge drilling crews and local communities into potential conflict.
To make its position clear, the Alliance is placing public notices in local newspapers and erecting signs in its territory to warn Enbridge and its contractors against trespassing, promising to prosecute violators based on indigenous law. Representatives of more than 160 First Nations have signed the Save the Fraser Declaration, banning tar sands oil pipelines from their territories and the migration routes of Fraser River salmon.
Full text of the trespass notice is available here: http://ow.ly/mqtDu
Pictures coming soon.
Contact Information:
Chief Martin Louie Nadleh Whut'en First Nation 250-570-7759
Jackie Thomas Saik'uz First Nation 250-567-8048
Geraldine Thomas-Flurer Yinka Dene Alliance 250-570-1482
Pipeline & Oil Tanker Politics In British Columbia
Earlier this week I had the privilege of joining Vancouver Co-Op Radio's The Rational to discuss pipeline and oil tanker politics in BC, including the importance of the Indigenous Nationhood Movement.
You can listen to the interview here. Let me know what you think!
Gitga'at First Nation Applauds B.C. Government's Rejection of Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline
Decision "feels like sunshine." Nation says Enbridge offers an important lesson for other resource proponents on the importance of Aboriginal consultation and credible environmental impact studies.
HARTLEY BAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 31, 2013) - The Gitga'at First Nation is congratulating the B.C. government on its rejection of the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline and oil tanker project, saying the rejection offers an important lesson to other resource development proponents on the BC North Coast.
News of the decision brought smiles to the faces of Gitga'at First Nation administration staff, who described it as feeling like, "sunshine breaking through an overcast day."
"We applaud this decision and clear act of leadership from the B.C. government," said Chief Councillor, Arnold Clifton. "The Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline and oil tankers project would have put our communities and the natural resources we depend on at risk of a catastrophic oil spill."
40% or more of the Gitga'at food supply comes from the ocean.
"It is this kind of leadership - leadership that includes respect for Aboriginal rights and title, and credible environmental impact assessment - that allows for discussions of more reasonable and responsible forms of resource development," said Clifton. "Our door is open."
Gitga'at territory encompasses roughly 7,500 square kilometres of land and water, including a major portion of Douglas Channel, which is the proposed oil tanker route for the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline, and several proposed LNG terminals.
Earlier this month, the nation asked representatives of Enbridge to leave their territory after the company began project work on an oil spill response survey without consultation, and despite the fact that the project had not been approved.
Contact Information:
Gitga'at First Nation Andrew Frank Communications Officer 604-367-2112
First Nations Call For Government-to-Government Pipeline Talks With Re-Elected Premier Christy Clark
Nations warn that Enbridge pipeline is the project that could “poison the well” for new relationship with First Nations in Northern BC, including discussions around LNG.
VANDERHOOF, BC (Yinka Dene Territories) – With only days remaining until BC must take a final position on the Enbridge pipeline in the federal review process, the Yinka Dene Alliance has written to Premier Christy Clark, calling for government-to-government pipeline talks.
The Yinka Dene Alliance, whose members’ territories make-up 25% of the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline route, say the Premiers’ position on Gateway will be a litmus test for the government’s new relationship with BC First Nations.
“Christy Clark has expressed a strong interest in building positive relationships with First Nations in Northern BC,” said Chief Martin Louie, Nadleh Whut’en First Nation. “She can either start building that relationship by taking a strong, principled stand against the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline and respecting our indigenous rights and title, or she can poison the well for future discussions on resource decision-making in Northern BC, including around LNG.”
Over 160 First Nations have signed the Save the Fraser Declaration, banning tar sands oil projects from their territories as a matter of indigenous law.
“Premier Clark has said that she will stand up for BC, and now is the time,” said Chief Dolly Abraham, Takla Lake First Nation. “The Yinka Dene Alliance is upholding our responsibility to protect the water and land for our children’s future prosperity. Will Premier Clark do the same?”
More than 100,000 people across Canada have signed petitions that recognize and support the Yinka Dene Alliance’s decision to ban the Enbridge project from their territories.
“As the stewards of our land, First Nations carry a heavy responsibility for resource decision-making that affects all British Columbians,” said Chief Stanley Thomas, Saik’uz First Nation. “It is imperative that we hold government-to-government talks with the new Premier, so that she understands both our deep concerns about the Enbridge pipeline, as well as our vision for the prosperity of our people and all British Columbians.”
The Yinka Dene Alliance is made up of Nadleh Whut’en, Nak’azdli, Takla Lake, Saik’uz, Wet’suwet’en and T’lazt’en First Nations.
Contact:
Chief Martin Louie Nadleh Whut’en First Nation 250-570-7759
Geraldine Thomas-Flurer Yinka Dene Alliance 250-570-1482
First Nation Asks Enbridge to Leave Territory Following Botched Consultation
Gitga’at First Nation reminds Enbridge that Northern Gateway pipeline and oil tanker project is not welcome in Gitga’at territory.
HARTLEY BAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA (May 16, 2013) – The Gitga’at First Nation has instructed Enbridge to leave its territory after the company and a team of oil spill response surveyors showed-up uninvited, during the nation’s annual food harvesting camp, a time of rich cultural activity and knowledge sharing.
Enbridge representatives were instructed to leave Gitga’at council chambers and Gitga’at territory, Wednesday morning, after councillors voiced their displeasure at not being consulted on an Enbridge oil spill response survey.
The dust-up comes on the eve of final oral arguments before the Joint Review Panel, which is reviewing the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline.
“Despite an ongoing review process, Enbridge has entered our territory and begun project work before their proposed oil tanker and pipeline project has even been approved,” said Arnold Clifton, Chief Councillor of the Gitga’at First Nation. “This is disrespectful to the Gitga’at First Nation, the review process, and the people of British Columbia, who oppose oil tankers in our coastal waters.”
“Four years ago when Enbridge CEO Patrick Daniel and Northern Gateway President John Carruthers visited Hartley Bay, we treated them respectfully, but informed them in no uncertain terms that their project is not welcome in Gitga’at Territory. We reminded their staff of that today,” said Clifton.
Enbridge signaled its intention to enter Gitga’at territory by sending an after hours fax without proper contact information, less than a week before their arrival, and without prior consultation. The fax also mistakenly included a letter addressed to Chief Councillor Conrad Lewis of the Gitxaala First Nation, which the Gitga’at returned to Enbridge.
“It’s hard to imagine a company screwing-up its relationships with First Nations more than Enbridge has,” said Marven Robinson, Gitga’at Councillor. “This incident shows not only the failure of Enbridge to meaningfully consult, but also indicates an insensitive, scatter-shot approach to dealing with First Nations. We remain resolved to protect our territory and people from this project.”
Contact Information:
Andrew Frank Communications Officer Gitga’at First Nation 604-367-2112
Media Round-Up: Coastal First Nations’ “Sound of Silence” Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Ad Campaign
It was an honour and a privilege to produce and launch this important new ad campaign with the Coastal First Nations. Public and media reaction has been incredible! Simon and Garfunkel provide soundtrack to Coastal First Nations warning on oil ... Straight.com (blog) - March 25, 2013 The celebrated folk duo Simon and Garfunkel have added their voices to the debate on oil tanker traffic in B.C coastal waters. In a video uploaded to YouTube today by a coalition of B.C. First Nations groups, Simon and Garfunkel's 1965 hit “The Sound of ...
The Sound of Silence: Commercial Reminds Residents of 'Dangers & Costs of ... The Maritime Executive - March 25, 2013 "We thought it was appropriate to release the commercial on the 24th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska," said Art Sterritt, Executive Director of the Coastal First Nations. "The Coastal First Nations have banned oil tankers from our traditional ...
First Nations group launches anti-pipeline ads on 24th anniversary of Alaskan oil ... Ottawa Citizen - March 25, 2013 Art Sterritt with Coastal First Nations says the catastrophic Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska over two decades ago is proof that massive oil tankers don't belong in B.C. waters because the state is still trying to clean up. Sterritt is launching a TV and social media ...
Paul Simon lends voice to BC group's anti-pipeline commercial (with video) Ottawa Citizen - March 25, 2013 The singer directly approved the use of his song in the video created by Coastal First Nations, said CFN Executive Director Art Sterritt. The two-minute video begins with footage of the Exxon Valdez, and overlays crackling audio of its first call to the coast guard ...
Paul Simon joins fight against increased tanker traffic News1130 - March 25, 2013 The two-minute clip was released by Coastal First Nations to mark yesterday's 24th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill off Alaska. CFN Executive Director Art Sterritt says the 1964 Simon and Garfunkel hit takes on a powerful new meaning in the video, ...
BC political ad highlights Exxon Valdez oil spill Sun News Network - March 25, 2013 MICHELLE GAMAGE | QMI AGENCY. VANCOUVER -- An iconic Simon and Garfunkel song is part of a political TV ad about the dangers of oil spills that was released by the Coastal First Nations on Sunday, the 24th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez disaster.
Paul Simon on tanker risks: 'Hello darkness, my old friend' Ottawa Citizen - March 25, 2013 The singer personally approved the use of his song in the video created by Coastal First Nations, said the group's executive director, Art Sterritt. The two-minute video begins with footage of the Exxon Valdez and overlays crackling audio of its call to the coast ...
Paul Simon lends his voice to fight against oil tankers Vancouver Sun - March 25, 2013 The singer personally approved the use of his song in the video created by Coastal First Nations, said the group's executive director, Art Sterritt. The two-minute video begins with footage of the Exxon Valdez and overlays crackling audio of its call to the coast ...
First Nations ad blitz marks Exxon oil spill The Province - March 25, 2013 The province's waters are no place for massive tankers exporting oil to Asian markets, according to the executive director of Coastal First Nations, Art Sterritt. "All of the social, environmental and economic impacts ... are not something that Coast First Nations ...
Group launches anti-pipeline ads on anniversary of Alaskan oil spill StarPhoenix - March 25, 2013 The province's waters are no place for massive tankers exporting oil to Asian markets, according to the executive director of Coastal First Nations, Art Sterritt. "All of the social, environmental and economic impacts ... are not something that Coast First Nations ...
For 'the price of a nice dinner out,' Paul Simon lends song to BC oil spill ad National Post - March 24, 2013 The singer directly approved the use of his song The Sound of Silence in the video created by Coastal First Nations, said CFN Executive Director Art Sterritt. The two-minute video begins with footage of the Exxon Valdez, and overlays crackling audio of its first ...
Anti-tanker ad marks anniversary of Alaskan oil spill CBC.ca - March 24, 2013 The province's waters are no place for massive tankers exporting oil to Asian markets, according to the executive director of Coastal First Nations, Art Sterritt. "All of the social, environmental and economic impacts... are not something that Coast First Nations ...
First Nations group marks Exxon Valdez anniversary with an anti-pipeline ... Yahoo! News Canada (blog) - March 24, 2013 On Sunday, the Coastal First Nations marked the anniversary of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill with an ad campaign meant to convince British Columbians to rally against the proposed Enbridge Gateway pipeline and oil tankers off the coast.
First Nations group launches anti oil tanker ad campaign News1130 - March 24, 2013 VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The BC Coastal First Nations has launched a campaign to keep oil tanker traffic away from the coast and it comes on the anniversary of one of the worst oil spills ever, the Exxon Valdez disaster. The ad itself is quite graphic, ...
Simon & Garfunkel song used in anti-tanker ad 24 Hours Vancouver - March 24, 2013 The Exxon Valdez tanker ran into a reef 24 years ago, spilling 44.7 million litres of oil into Prince William Sound, Alaska. Coastal First Nations is concerned about the ramifications a tanker spill would have off of B.C.'s coast. (MICHELLE GAMAGE/ 24 HOURS) ...
Group launches anti-pipeline ads on anniversary of Exxon Valdez oil spill Globe and Mail - March 24, 2013 The province's waters are no place for massive tankers exporting oil to Asian markets, according to the executive director of Coastal First Nations, Art Sterritt. “All of the social, environmental and economic impacts ... are not something that Coast First Nations ...
Anti-pipeline ads mark Exxon Valdez anniversary TheChronicleHerald.ca - March 24, 2013 The province's waters are no place for massive tankers exporting oil to Asian markets, according to the executive director of Coastal First Nations, Art Sterritt. “All of the social, environmental and economic impacts … are not something that Coast First Nations ...
Group launches anti-pipeline ads Castanet.net - March 24, 2013 The province's waters are no place for massive tankers exporting oil to Asian markets, according to the executive director of Coastal First Nations, Art Sterritt. "All of the social, environmental and economic impacts ... are not something that Coast First Nations ...
Paul Simon lends voice to BC group's anti-pipeline commercial Vancouver Sun - March 24, 2013 The singer directly approved the use of his song in the video created by Coastal First Nations, said CFN Executive Director Art Sterritt. The two-minute video begins with footage of the Exxon Valdez, and overlays crackling audio of its first call to the coast guard ...
Anti-pipeline ads to air on Exxon Valdez spill anniversary CTV News - March 24, 2013 Art Sterritt with Coastal First Nations says the catastrophic Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska over two decades ago is proof that massive oil tankers don't belong in B.C. waters because the state is still trying to clean up. Sterritt is launching a TV and social media ...
Anti-pipeline ads to run on Exxon Valdez spill anniversary CTV News - March 24, 2013 Art Sterritt with Coastal First Nations says the catastrophic Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska over two decades ago is proof that massive oil tankers don't belong in B.C. waters because the state is still trying to clean up. Sterritt is launching a TV and social media ...
Anti-pipeline ads launched on Exxon Valdez oil spill anniversary CTV News - March 24, 2013 Art Sterritt with Coastal First Nations says the catastrophic Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska over two decades ago is proof that massive oil tankers don't belong in B.C. waters because the state is still trying to clean up. Sterritt is launching a TV and social media ...
Anti-pipeline ads commemorate Alaskan spill MetroNews Canada - March 24, 2013 The province's waters are no place for massive tankers exporting oil to Asian markets, according to the executive director of Coastal First Nations, Art Sterritt. “All of the social, environmental and economic impacts … are not something that Coast First Nations ...
First Nations group marking oil spill anniversary News1130 - Mar 24, 2013 CENTRAL COAST (NEWS1130) - A BC First Nations group is marking the 24th anniversary of one of the worst oil spills in history with a new ad campaign against the proposed Northern Gateway project. Art Sterritt with Coastal First Nations says the ...
Group launches anti-pipeline ads on anniversary of Exxon Valdez oil spill Globe and Mail - March 24, 2013 The province's waters are no place for massive tankers exporting oil to Asian markets, according to the executive director of Coastal First Nations, Art Sterritt. “All of the social, environmental and economic impacts ... are not something that Coast First Nations ...
Andy Rowell: "An oil spill is 'the sound of silence'" YubaNet - March 25, 2013 So it comes as no surprise that yesterday the Coastal First Nations in British Colombia marked the anniversary of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill with an advertising campaign against the Northern Gateway pipeline, the alternative route to take tar sands to the ...
BC coastal First Nations airs anti-oil commercial Creamer Media's Mining Weekly - March 25, 2013 TORONTO (miningweekly.com) – The Coastal First Nations last week aired a television commercial warning British Columbians of the dangers and costs of bringing oil tankers to BC's pristine coastal waters. The commercial opened with the original audio ...
Media Advisory - First Nations to Release Oil Spill Commercial Reminding British Columbians of the Dangers of Oil Tankers
Released on the 24th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, powerful television commercial features music by famous American singer-songwriter. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - March 22, 2013) - Attention News Editors: Media are invited to a brief media screening and Q&A session with Art Sterritt, Executive Director of the Coastal First Nations, for a new oil spill television commercial being released on the anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill (March 24).
The commercial features the music of a famous American singer-songwriter, and high-resolution copies will be made available to media on USB flash drives.
Who: Art Sterritt, Executive Director of the Coastal First Nations
When: Sunday, March 24, 2013 at 1:00pm
Where: Coastal First Nations, Suite 1660, 409 Granville Street, Vancouver
Contact Information: Bessie Brown Coastal First Nations Communications Coordinator 604-722-3331