Two BC First Nations have followed through with a promised lawsuit over the approval of the Site C dam.
The West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations have filed notice of civil claim in BC Supreme Court.
The nations allege the huge hydroelectric project, along with the other two dams along the Peace River, violate their treaty rights.
They claim that the cumulative impact of the Bennett, Peace Canyon, and Site C Dams destroys the “unique cultural and ecological character of the Peace, severing the physical, practical, cultural and spiritual connection” that the nations have with it, infringing on their rights.
The Federal Court of Appeal quashed an earlier lawsuit by the two nations aimed at stopping construction of Site C, but it did not consider the issue of whether the dam violated their rights under Treaty 8.
Chief Roland Willson of the West Moberly First Nations says they also plan to apply for disclosure of documents related to the dam’s schedule, budget, and ongoing geotechnical challenges, which have, to-date, been redacted or withheld from the public.
