Editor:
In April the Government of Canada approved Roberts Bank Terminal 2 (RBT2) following an environmental assessment process that started in 2013, and after receiving consent from Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN).
We take very seriously any and all development on our foreshore and especially anything that affects the crabbing areas that are of the utmost cultural importance to Tsawwassen members.
Our focus throughout the entire environmental assessment was to advocate for the best possible mitigation and accommodation measures in case RBT2 was approved.
On the basis of how far we were able to push the measures for addressing impacts to our Treaty Rights, we have provided consent for the project.
To be clear, TFN’s consent means that in our view, sufficient mitigation and accommodations are being provided. It does not mean that we actively support the project. We remain concerned about the impacts to our Treaty Rights and our ability to properly steward our lands and waters. Given the size and location of the project and its activities, RBT2 will take away our ability to advance stewardship values over a core part of our territory as intended under our Treaty. We consented because the accommodations package gives us unprecedented power to exercise oversight of the project, so it is built and operated in a way that respects our priorities. It includes leading edge components like the “scwecxenem” stewardship framework, as well as co-management committees and Indigenous monitors. This formal role is the reason Tsawwassen provided consent. It ensures our Treaty Rights – and the proper stewardship of the foreshore – are protected.
In the hun’q’umin’um language, “scwecxenem” means “lookout.” Through the historic “scwecxenem” stewardship framework we negotiated with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and the Government of Canada, that’s exactly what we will do – we will look out and care for these lands, where we have lived for thousands of years.
The “scwecxenem” framework envisions a fully realized, reciprocal relationship between Tsawwassen members, the land and sea, and both human and non-human inhabitants of our territory. This will be brought to life through listening, monitoring, and preparing for anticipated changes; harvesting food and medicines; and maintaining our strong values and identity as stewards of our cherished places and resources.
Now that the project has been approved, we expect the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and all levels of government to work with us in full partnership to ensure our Treaty Rights are upheld.
Chief Laura Cassidy
