Back in June, the federal government gave approval to Enbridge's Northern Gateway pipeline, subjected to the approximately 200 plus conditions set forth by the Joint Review Panel, and the five conditions set forth by the B.C. Provincial Government.
That decision by the federal government immediately led to a number of First Nations groups, including the Wet'suwet'en First Nation, the Gitxaala and the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council to take legal action against the ruling.
Now a month after the decision by the federal government was made, and a number of legal challenges to the pipeline have been filed in the Federal Court of Appeals, communities in Northern B.C. are stepping forward to join with non-governmental organizations to help to fundraise money to help these various First Nations communities pay their legal bills.
The Sierra Club B.C. in partnership with a Victoria based legal defence fund RAVEN Trust has established www.Pull-Together.ca to enable people in B.C. and throughout Canada to donate money towards helping pay the legal bills associated with battling the Enbridge pipeline in court.
It was initiated by people living in the Northern communities along the pipeline's 1147 km route.
"These First Nations [communities] have inspired us by taking a stand for our common future, the rivers, oceans, forests and climate that we all depend on," Caitlyn Vernon, Campaign Director for the Sierra Club B.C. said, "This is a way we can all pull together."
Fundraising efforts are expected to be held in a number of communities across Northern B.C., including efforts in the communities of Prince George, Fort St. James, Burns Lake, Smithers, Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert and on Haida Gwaii.
Already the North West Watch, a community group based out of Terrace has raised $2000 for the cause through a community dinner and bottle drive and the Friends of Morice-Bulkley group, based out of Smithers, raised $985 by hosting a fundraiser film and movie night.
"People know what's at stake and want to support First Nations," Lori Merril of the North West Watch said, "We are already raising funds for First Nations' legal challenges and we challenge other communities to meet and exceed our contributions."
The website offers people a number of ways to contribute, including donating directly, fundraising online among their network of friends and neighbours or by organizing fundraising events in the community.
The Sierra Club B.C. will be offering training and support for individuals and communities interested in hosting fundraising events.
"We very much appreciate the support being expressed by the people of B.C.," Clarence Innis, Acting Chief of the Gitxaala said, "We would rather not go to court but despite the significant effort and resources expended to participate in the joint review process our concerns have been ignored."
"The government has placed this matter into the courts.”