NEWS RELEASE:

August 31, 2007 (Vancouver, BC) -- First Nations and concerned citizens in Vancouver and Smithers today say Royal Dutch Shells delay of legal action against the Sacred Headwaters blockaders shows Shell is concerned about growing opposition.

Members of the Tahltan First Nation are blockading Shells coalbed methane project in the Sacred Headwaters, the birthplace of the Skeena, Nass and Stikine Rivers. Shell was to appear in Vancouver court today to request an injunction that would allow them to have the blockaders arrested.

“Our resolve to protect our Sacred Headwaters is stronger than ever,” said Oscar Dennis, a spokesperson for the Tahltan blockaders. “Our blockade will stand until we see our Sacred Headwaters protected from Shell.”

Over 100 people, including Dr. David Suzuki, gathered outside the Vancouver courthouse today to voice their opposition to Shells coalbed methane project.

“Despite Shells latest move, little has changed and Shell continues to threaten the Sacred Headwaters with its destructive coalbed methane project,” said Andrea Reimer, Executive Director of the Western Canada Wilderness Committee. “Shells international reputation is once again in jeopardy, and we will continue to mobilize concerned citizens around the world to protect the Sacred Headwaters.”

The Victoria-based Dogwood Initiative is calling on the BC government to back off its coalbed methane agenda.

“The BC government continues to push coalbed methane on communities against their wishes,” said Dogwoods Executive Director Will Horter. “This is a risky, unproven industry and its time the BC Ministry of Energy and Mines started standing up for its citizens instead of acting as Shells marketing department.”

For more information, contact:
Andrea Reimer: (604) 719-3920
Will Horter: (250) 418-1672

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Contact: (250) 847-9293