First Nations leader apologizes, walks back support for Northern Gateway pipeline in B.C.

The president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, issued a public apology on Wednesday for his earlier comments supporting the revival of the Northern Gateway pipeline project. In a statement released by the union, Phillip clarified that he does not support resuscitating the failed project, which he described as a potential disaster for the lands and waters of British Columbia.

“I do not support resuscitating dead projects such as the failed Northern Gateway pipeline, which would have been an absolute disaster for our lands and waters,” Phillip stated in the release. “I sincerely apologize for any confusion on this point.”

Phillip went on to emphasize his continued opposition to the pipeline, highlighting his past involvement in protest movements and legal challenges against the project. He commended the thousands of others who had also opposed the Northern Gateway pipeline.

The union reiterated its firm stance against the Northern Gateway pipeline, emphasizing that the answer to the project remains a resounding no. The statement pointed to the union’s long history of resolutions opposing large-scale destructive resource projects, including the Northern Gateway and the proposed Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline.

Despite Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s suggestion to revive the Northern Gateway project in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats on Canadian exports, the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs maintained its opposition to the pipeline. The union stressed that the mandate against such projects has not changed.

Other B.C. First Nations leaders within the union also voiced their continued opposition to the Northern Gateway project. Chief Marilyn Slett of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council emphasized the environmental risks posed by the pipeline and the urgent need to resist non-renewable energy projects in the face of climate change.

While acknowledging the concerns around potential U.S. tariffs, the union and its members reiterated their commitment to environmental stewardship and opposition to fossil fuel extraction and pipeline projects. Tara Marsden, representing the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs, emphasized the need for leadership that would steer Canada towards a transition away from fossil fuel dependence.

The retraction of Grand Chief Stewart Phillip’s earlier comments and the reaffirmation of opposition to the Northern Gateway pipeline underscore the union’s unwavering commitment to protecting the lands, waters, and communities of British Columbia.