News Release
June 10, 2025

UBCIC Reiterates Opposition to PRGT Pipeline and Stands in Solidarity with the Gitanyow and Gitxsan People

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – June 9, 2025) The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is extremely disappointed that the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) fracked pipeline has been granted a substantial start based on an 11-year old environment certificate that expired last fall and despite clear opposition from some local First Nations. The announcement was made June 5.

UBCIC stands with the Gitanyow and Gitxsan peoples in opposition to the PRGT pipeline and is deeply alarmed that their inherent and constitutionally protected title and rights are being ignored. By Resolution 2024-45, the UBCIC Chiefs-in-Assembly unanimously oppose the PRGT pipeline. The Chiefs-in-Assembly call on the provincial government to immediately terminate the 2014 Environmental Assessment Certificate for the PRGT pipeline and stop all construction.

The proposed 900-kilometre pipeline, which would transport natural gas from northeastern B.C. to a proposed liquefied natural gas facility on the west coast, does not have the consent of the Gitanyow to pass through 50 kilometres of their territory. The project’s biggest investor is the US private equity firm Blackstone, whose CEO Steve Schwarzman is one of President Trump’s top donors.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, stated, “Quite simply, the MAGA-backed PRGT pipeline does not have the consent of all First Nations involved, and must not proceed. In a recent meeting with Premier Eby regarding the beleaguered Bill 15, he said that private projects under that Bill would not proceed without the consent of the Nation whose territory the private project is on. Why does the Province of B.C. claim to uphold consent for some First Nations compared to others? Once again, it feels like we are headed into a long, hot summer.”

Naxginkw/Tara Marsden, Wilps Sustainability Director, stated “This decision makes a mockery of the true purpose and intent of what is considered to be a ‘substantial start’ for major infrastructure projects. It leaves us asking, why does the government have processes if it doesn’t intend to follow them and continues to exclude concerns raised by impacted First Nations? We are fighting for the right to prevent environmental destruction on our territory and address our concerns that LNG development is further accelerating the climate crisis. Our livelihoods depend on healthy and abundant sockeye from the Nass and Skeena rivers. This pipeline would cut across some of the healthiest intact salmon watersheds left in B.C. Combined with Bill 15, proposed legislation to fast-track provincially significant projects, it’s a slap in the face to many First Nations working to hold industry to account and a big step backwards on reconciliation.”

Hooxi’I, Kolin Sutherland-Wilson, Gitxsan Gisg’haast, Wilps Git’luuhl’um’hetxwit, Lax’yip Firekeeper continues, “The Province’s decision to grant PRGT a substantial start ignores the unresolved governance crisis on Gitxsan territory. The project was approved through secret agreements, without the consent of key Wips, and in direct violation of Gitxsan law.”

“We as First Nations people will continue to exercise our inherent and constitutionally protected title and rights and treaty rights,” commented Chief Don Tom, UBCIC Vice-President. “Headed into another wildfire season, we are absolutely devastated with the reality that the PRGT pipeline approval means an increase in greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbating the climate emergency. We have a responsibility to every future generation to protect our lands and waters.”

Chief Marilyn Slett, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer, concluded “The Province is not respecting the decision of local First Nations that do not support this project. These are Gitanyow and Gitxsan territories that stand to be impacted without their consent. The UBCIC calls on the provincial and federal governments to uphold the title and rights of the Gitanyow and Gitxsan and reverse this decision.”

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Media inquiries:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, 250-490-5314
Chief Don Tom, Vice-President, 604-290-6083
Chief Marilyn Slett, Secretary-Treasurer, 250-957-7721

Hooxi’I, Kolin Sutherland-Wilson, 250-842-5248 or [email protected] 

Naxginkw/Tara Marsden, 250-842-3297 or [email protected]

UBCIC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

For more information, please visit www.ubcic.bc.ca

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