Tahltan to Work on Highway 37 Studies

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C.- The Tahltan Central Council has reached an agreement with the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and BC Hydro on a process for assessment of the proposed Northwest Transmission Line. The agreement supports the Tahltan Nation in undertaking studies of the impacts of the proposed project on Tahltan Title, Rights, and interests, including cumulative and social-cultural impact studies of the proposed line."This is a positive step forward in the review of proposed projects", stated Annita McPhee, Chair of the Tahltan Central Council. "We have achieved some clarity and certainty about the process that the Tahltan Nation, Province, and BC Hydro are going to follow together in reviewing the project." Based on the information gathered and studies done through the process, and the discussion that takes place, the Tahltan people should then have enough information to make an informed decision about the proposed transmission line going through Tahltan Territory.

The agreement is one aspect of the comprehensive assessment of the proposed transmission line being undertaken by the Tahltan Nation. "We are looking at the proposed transmission line from all perspectives, and gathering information on both impacts and benefits", added Chair McPhee. The studies that will be completed by the TCC will include looking at the economic and financial aspects of the transmission line.

The Tahltan Central Council has also been reaching out to those other First Nations who may also be impacted by the transmission line, and is looking forward to increased collaboration with them. "Collaboration with our neighbouring First Nations is always a priority for the Tahltan Nation", said Chief Marie Quock of the Iskut First Nation, "and that is especially the case with respect to a project of this size and scope". "Our hope is that consensus will emerge amongst First Nations about the transmission line, and we will be working to achieve that", added Chair McPhee.

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