Opponents of run-of-river stations like those at Toba Inlet are acting from 'eco-colonialism,' leaders say
 
By Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun - April 6, 2009

Organized opponents of independent power projects are acting from ignorance, paternalism and "eco-colonialism," according to some first nations who are dealing with projects in their traditional territories.

The Klahoose and Sechelt First Nations are calling on six groups, including the Western Canada Wilderness Committee, COPE 378 and BC Citizens for Public Power, to respect rather than attack them for support of projects such as Plutonic Power's cluster of run-of-river stations in Toba Inlet.

"We have been struck by the profound ignorance, paternalistic behaviour and outright dismissal of our rights and title by your organizations, their leaders and their representatives," leaders of the first nations say in a letter obtained by The Vancouver Sun.

The first nations say they are fully capable of ensuring that environmental values are maintained as projects are developed and reject popular arguments that the projects are inherently damaging to streams and watersheds.

They also suggest that by conducting public campaigns in opposition to private power development -- in lieu of consultation with first nations -- the groups are practising "a modern form of eco-colonialism."

"I find it extremely frustrating when these eco groups, environmental groups, come out in strong opposition to what we are trying to pursue and achieve within our traditional territory," Chief Ken Brown, Klahoose First Nation, said.

Brown noted that Plutonic's Toba Bay project has provided employment and activity for the first nation, and effected repairs to streams damaged by logging two decades ago.

By contrast, he said, critics are offering nothing positive.

"They are self-appointed experts disseminating misinformation predicated on what is obviously a political agenda. It's got nothing to do with the environment. This is all private power versus public power. There is no environmental issue here," Brown said in an interview.

All the groups interviewed by The Sun said it was the first time they'd seen the letter, which was dated March 20.

"We are a trade union," COPE 378 spokeswoman Lori Winstanley said. "We stand up. We oppose policies in the province that we think affect our members, that we think affect British Columbians. And we will continue to oppose policies that we don't think are in anyone's best interest."

Joe Foy, Western Canada Wilderness Committee national campaign director, dismissed a demand in the letter that independent power opponents stop travelling to areas of the province where projects are underway.

"If we were to stay out of those valleys and those areas and leave it up to Plutonic Power and General Electric, that would be, I think, a dereliction of our duties, a kind of cowardice, a kind of giving up," Foy said.

Melissa Davis, executive director of BC Citizens for Public Power, noted that many first nations have expressed opposition to private power projects.

"We feel that thousands and thousands of citizens in this province are opposed to the privatization of rivers and streams, including many first nations."

Craig Orr, executive director of Watershed Watch Salmon Society, said the organization's concerns about private power projects are based on good science. He said Watershed Watch "has carefully researched the impacts of private power projects."

"We hired professionals to do so and published several reports outlining impacts to fish and wildlife. I hope the proponents do run their own rigorous environmental assessments and would ask them to share the terms of reference."

ssimpson@vancouversun.com

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