Pipeline Conundrum by Robert Clifton https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline So many points of view! en-us 2021-11-29 22:46:05 UTC 2022-03-29 20:47:53 UTC hello@padlet.com Chantel J https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919123354 Hereditary Chief says they feel pressured into agreeing with the pipeline because of the poverty the Indigenous people face. The Band Council is ready to agree. Is this a case of "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em"? There appears to be a disconnect between the Band Council and the Hereditary Chief...]]> 2021-11-29 23:02:39 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919123354 Juli C. https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919125916 I’m surprised by how many stakeholders are actually for the pipeline. The Hereditary Chief really has to make an effort to get their voice heard, and remind the group of whose land and whose people need to be taken into consideration. Often the preoccupation is with the financial gains for most stakeholders, specifically the Band Counsel representatives, Industry Workers, and Justice System. 

Attached is an article about the leaked benefits of some agreements which include: 
“education and training benefits, contracting and employment opportunities, annual legacy payments over the lifetime of the pipeline, and ‘general project payments’ to be made in three instalments.”

In addition to this, the BC government has agreed to over $2.5 million for the Stellat'en territory to allow the pipeline through.
]]> 2021-11-29 23:05:46 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919125916 KW https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919126227 One of the main issues that concern me is exactly what Lauren brought up.  Many clans are so disenfranchised in their communities, that they are left with no choice but to sign on in order to have a chance to lift themselves out of poverty.  It really does seem that the hold-out clans are the most wealthy of the clans and thereby the most positioned to be able to be activists for their true beliefs.  
I wonder if, for instance, there was say, a universal basic income and clean water in all communities, would there still be 5 clans signing onto the pipelines? I don't think so.]]> 2021-11-29 23:06:08 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919126227 Ashley https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919126461 Our groups initial research on the RCMP and their roles/responsibilities in the BC Pipeline. 

Who: RCMP & Justice System 
What: removing protestors when court orders, enforcing and 'ensuring that the job gets done'
When: when court orders and government mandates 
Where: B.C. pipeline and Indigenous territories 
Why:  "Opponents of Coastal GasLink project were calling for ‘war,’" “rescuing pipeline workers” 


What voices are being amplified? The ones that have the most money at stake? Or the ones who have the promise of an economy boost as a result of the pipeline? Both... who does that leave out?

]]> 2021-11-29 23:06:24 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919126461 MC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919126632 One of the main themes I see is that there is less "power" in support for the ecosystem and for the Indigenous lands while there is a lot of "power" in support for economy so it is biased towards the louder voices.]]> 2021-11-29 23:06:36 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919126632 LS https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919126677 When you look on the Coastal Gaslink and Transmountain Pipeline websites, everything appears to be fair and positive. Statements like "We guarantee to safely deliver natural gas..." how can you "safely" deliver this material!? It is impossible for small leaks to not be present with time and they know this...In addition, there are sections with personal Indigenous stories of support towards the pipeline. These stories make it appear like the Indigenous peoples and communities strongly support the notion however, Hereditary Chief Lauren mentioned that these groups are often backed into a corner. They are experiencing intense poverty therefore, for many of them this is the only option. Not to mention the several billion dollars that many banks and major industries have invested...can't really back down now, can we? ]]> 2021-11-29 23:06:39 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919126677 SR https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919127872 Like Robert said, it is a great method to get students to research and flesh out multiple sides of issue without worrying about being personally tied to a controversial position. Perfect starting point to jump from. Highlights also the complications of these issues in terms of costs to certain stake holders. Enables students to practice working through solutions and long term viewpoints.]]> 2021-11-29 23:07:57 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919127872 Nina M. https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919128145 https://www.shakeuptheestab.org/post/pipeline-impact-lng
From the environmental view, this article from Shake Up The Establishment also talks about how the pipeline affects the wildlife in the area. For example, 
"Telkwa caribou are highly endangered, with only about 20 animals remaining; the pipeline project will jeopardize almost half of it" 
In addition, the tanker presence will impact local whale species due to noise, habitat destruction, etc.
]]> 2021-11-29 23:08:17 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919128145 NW https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919128863 When considering the stakes from different players in this issue, I think we need to consider not just individual stances but systems of agreement, government, incentive, and freely given consent. For example, when making agreements, according to law, consent needs to be informed and given freely. If nations have financial incentives for agreeing to a deal, such as $2.5 million dollars in the Stellat'en territory, that financial benefit will not be spent equally within the community and it is not every member within the community that is giving consent.]]> 2021-11-29 23:09:07 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919128863 CZ https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919129352 Robert mentioned a valuable point which is that if Indigenous territories only make up a small percentage of the land, why are most of the pipelines designated to go through their land? Ultimately, there are other parts of the land that the pipelines can be built on. So would one reason be to just protect and benefit non-Indigenous people? ]]> 2021-11-29 23:09:42 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919129352 KV https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919130064 The overarching theme in this entire discussion seems that "money is the answer." This pipeline is being pushed because of the economic value it has and it has support based how it can provide economic growth to communities. I wonder how a compromise can be reached or if can at all considering so much money is being poured into this project.]]> 2021-11-29 23:10:23 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919130064 Nicole M. https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919130122 After doing research on CGL and TMP, their websites promote the pipeline in such a positive way. They include that they've talked with and have the support of many Indigenous people and that they've taken a whole bunch of safety precautions. These companies promote themselves in such a positive way that it makes the pipeline look like it is the best thing. Looking at the many banks across the world that have contributed billions of dollars to this project, money is one of the driving forces behind the continuation of these projects. Companies will put the money they are getting over the many concerns that are being brought up and over the opinions of the communities that it will be running through.
 ]]> 2021-11-29 23:10:27 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919130122 JS https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919130519 Although 5/7 of the Indigenous bands are in the area and have agreed to go ahead with the pipeline, it doesn't seem like Indigenous people have a lot of better alternatives to making money. Either they refuse the pipeline and continue to live in poverty or they agree to have a pipeline go through their land and receive millions for it and other resources. If there was no dollar amount given to Indigenous people, I wonder if they would still agree to this? Probably not. The Indigenous communities should have already have access to clean water, jobs, and meet the basic needs so they do not have to make decisions like this. Ultimately, the government has the upper hand in this scenario because the communities are backed into a corner. ]]> 2021-11-29 23:10:52 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919130519 BF https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919131337 It is interesting that a majority of the bands whose land the pipeline will be on actually support it but for what reason? Need. I wonder if it didn't come with economic gain what their response would be ]]> 2021-11-29 23:11:46 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919131337 BL https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919131833 Robert brought up a good point about why these routes are always going through reserves and no where else? Reserves only take up 1% of the land in Canada so why should the Indigenous people be affected by these pipelines going through their home? It seems like Indigenous people who live on reserves are still constantly being pushed down and ''bullied''. Their voices aren't strong enough for change to happen so a question is who's voices are powerful and being heard the most? 
The pipeline websites make it seem like everything is so seamless, everyone is on board, it's completely safe and effective but like how Lauren said, those 5 clans who agreed might only have agreed because they feel like this is the only option for them. Another great question that was brought up was yes that there is opportunity for jobs but how long do these jobs last for? What will happen when the pipeline is complete?]]> 2021-11-29 23:12:20 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919131833 KK https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919133220 https://www.culturalsurvival.org/news/unceded-land-case-wetsuweten-sovereignty 

Something I wanted to share: 
This article explains in detail about the Wet'suwet'en clans decisions about the Coastal GasLink pipeline. What stood out to me the most was how many council members felt if they agree to the pipeline, it may be the best option for their people as it was seen as an opportunity to help with some of the poverty that many experience. Also, the band council has concerns over employment on the reserves which are limited therefore, they felt more inclined to support Canada's policies for more job opportunities.

Also, the circle did a great job in sharing different point of views! ]]> 2021-11-29 23:13:52 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919133220 ND https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919134276 Our group was representing the 7 clans ont e the territory, specifically from the hereditary chief. The resource I was looking at the Gidimt'en Checkpoint on twitter, and as I was scrolling through the feed, there was so much support from other nations in sending their heartfelt thoughts and feelings with th the nations being effected by this piepline because their lands are being taken from them. #wetsuwetensaynopipelines @Gidimten]]> 2021-11-29 23:14:53 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919134276 MY https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919134890 I found it so interesting how the CGL project began in 2012. I remember being in my Grade 7 classroom and holding a class debate on the topic of pipelines (the PROS vs. CONS). On the CGL website, it highlights how a 6-day training program will be offered to local Indigenous women and men to help them secure work in the construction industry. One of the big arguments for supporting the CGL project is that it will generate new jobs for Indigenous people. From this viewpoint, I believe Indigenous people are seen as units of disposable labour. What will be done if these people develop health issues? New research has suggests that natural gas may be a more harmful fossil fuel than previously thought -- contributing to symptoms, such as respiratory illnesses and rare cancers. Even the emergency management plans (4-steps) do not look like enough to protect the health and well-being of these workers. Another question I have is in regards to power: How come Indigenous peoples are not central at the discussion table and only included as an afterthought? With this said, I do not think that different Indigenous groups and their members' voices are being heard, represented, or respected. ]]> 2021-11-29 23:15:26 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919134890 BN https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919135034 Is the way that we are going in alignment with in reconciliation?

Hearing the Costal GasLink representative discuss how they are using technology and their website to show video evidence of support from the indigenous communities is feeding viewers faulty information that can so easily be assumed to be correct. They are stating they are in alignment with reconciliation when in fact the reason why some bands agreed to build the pipeline is due to trying to escape poverty.

What happens if you change route? 

This seems impossible due to the stakeholders and billions of dollars from banks that all collectively decide on what is to happen to this land the pipeline is being build on. 

Systems, economy, and money are dominating the conversation and having technology support it, only strengthens the pressure, relationships and superior decisions that are being made.


]]> 2021-11-29 23:15:35 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919135034 NH https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919135377 Looking closer at the role of the RCMP. The RCMP argue that they are simply enforcing court injunctions. The media contend that the methods used by the RCMP in arresting Wet'suwet'en opponents of the pipeline were excessive and unnecessary. Robert highlighted an interesting fact that the RCMP pension fund has investment in the pipeline. Whose interests are the RCMP truly protecting?]]> 2021-11-29 23:15:59 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919135377 BC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919135934 Robert posed the question, why is the pipeline being pushed through indigenous territory when indigenous reservations only take up 1% of the land? All 7 clans on this territory did not give consent to move forward with the pipeline. They feel as though they are still being considered inferior because they are not assimilating. The clans that have consented were promised jobs/ money in return for the use of the land but how long will these jobs last? Using their land for the pipeline is not movement toward reconciliation. ]]> 2021-11-29 23:16:33 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919135934 CS https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919136576 https://crosscut.com/environment/2021/03/indigenous-activists-fight-british-columbias-pipelines-last-mile

"His uprooting was by choice, but not by preference." "“I'm not living in my nation right now. And I can't live in my nation right now,” said McKenzie. He stays away, he says, because he feels unsafe there — that he is targeted and harassed by local police."

This article touches on Mike McKenzie who was forced out of his home 3 years ago due to the pipeline, and has still not returned home. We were looking into activists surrounding the pipeline and McKenzie's connection to the land where he grew up drove him to host rallies to oppose these pipelines. This touches on what Lauren mentioned during the discussion, how Indigenous people have perhaps "agreed" to leave, however it's only because they felt they had to rather than because they wanted to.]]> 2021-11-29 23:17:04 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919136576 DS https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919136934 The tension between hereditary chiefs and elected chiefs and counsellors of band councils provides an interesting perspective into the complexity of the issue of land title and the question of who has the authority to make decisions regarding who can do what to the land. I think about the reasons behind why some would agree to go ahead with the pipelines and why others would not agree with it. Are the needs of these communities being met by these projects? Is it out of necessity that some chiefs decided to give permission to the government and pipeline companies to use their land in exchange for economic benefits? Would these economic gains help the communities in the long-run, or would potential oil spills cause losses that would offset what had been gained? How would other indigenous issues be seen by the government if band members have been shown to be willing to side with big corporations?]]> 2021-11-29 23:17:27 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919136934 Xl https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919137958 The conversation around the long term job opportunity. Job opportunities and a source of income have been promised  in the past to Indigenous communities but they are rarely as prosperous as they are portrayed. 
In addition to Nicoles post, it is interesting to see how other Indigenous communities offer support for this loss of land- yet their is a divide between the groups impacted (5/7 say yes) counters the feeling of shared loss that the twitter feed shows ]]> 2021-11-29 23:18:29 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919137958 AA https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919680036 These questions that were posed by Robert and by our friends in this discussion are great questions I'd like to take with me. The discussion highlighted the complexity of this "conundrum" that I didn't see before and I appreciate that. This way of looking at a particular subject was particularly helpful in analyzing underlying interests and assumptions. Robert's comment that 2% of the land is put aside as reserves and yet the pipeline goes through that... utterly shocking to realize that. We still have a lot of conversations to have with our fellow Canadians and learning to do -- especially learning about how to be an ally... ]]> 2021-11-30 06:16:52 UTC https://padlet.com/learn4life/s101pipeline/wish/1919680036