On July 11th, Tsawout Chief and Council met with IAMC Co-Chair Chief Ernie Crey and shared their concerns about the Trans Mountain Expansion project. Joining them was Chief Russell Chipps (Beecher Bay), IAMC’s Indigenous Caucus member for Vancouver Island South.

One thing on the minds of the Chief and Councillors was how waves caused by passing freighters could erode beaches where medicinal plants grow, and migratory birds rest. They also spoke about how monitoring and capacity funding could serve as “early steps” towards protecting their future. It was a good conversation.

The Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC) brings together 11 Indigenous and six senior federal representatives to provide advice to regulators, and to monitor the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMX) and existing pipeline. Members have a shared goal of safety and protection of environmental and Indigenous interests in the lands and waters.

Participation by an Indigenous community does not mean that it supports or opposes the project, nor does it change the government’s duty to consult.