The Chief of the Saik’uz First Nation says he is happy with the recent BC Court of Appeal Decision that allows them to take their claims against Rio Tinto Alcan to trial.
The Saik’uz and Stellat’en First Nations are trying to sue the company over the Kenney Dam and Alcan Reservoir
“The Nechako is being controlled by a company out of Quebec…we want a river that is going to flow forever” said Chief Stanley Thomas
“We don’t want it turned into a stream, we need it to run. To me water gives life to everything whether you are a native or white person or whatever group you are from”
The lawsuit claims that Kenny Dam has been harming the Nechako and it’s fisheries since its construction in 1952.
The company’s original defence that fell back onto 1987 and 1997 agreements between both levels of government and Alcan was thrown out by the judge on constitutional grounds.
“I’m very happy the outcome was in our favour.” Chief Thompson added “I wish the company will at least start discussions with us and my neighbors Stellat’en and we can resolve the issue.”
Legal counsel for the Saik’uz Gregory McDade called it a “significant decision in aboriginal law”
Rio Tinto Alcan has 60 days to apply to the Supreme Court of Canada.
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