Nigeria North
Will Royal Dutch Shell Turn B.C. into Nigeria North?
June 7, 2007 (Victoria, BC) - A video released today draws attention to
the takeover this month of Shell Canada by Royal Dutch Shell and its
implications for a northern BC First Nation.
View Nigeria North video online: www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2RUhJGbjDM
The five-minute documentary by the Victoria-based Dogwood Initiative
focuses on Royal Dutch Shell's poor human rights track record in
Nigeria. It draws parallels to Shell's proposed coalbed methane project
in northern BC, which has been opposed by indigenous elders of the
Tahltan First Nation.
"Royal Dutch Shell admits to exploiting existing community conflicts in
its quest for oil and gas," said Will Horter, Executive Director of the
Dogwood Initiative. "What does this mean for the Tahltan, who are
struggling with BC's northern resource boom?"
Shell is attempting to develop a coalbed methane gas field at the shared
headwaters of the Nass, Skeena and Stikine Rivers - an area known as the
Sacred Headwaters. Many Tahltan oppose the project, and in 2005 evicted
Shell from their territory.
"If this project goes ahead, it will mean thousands of gas wells in an
alpine basin that has been used by the indigenous people for hunting and
trapping for generations," said Horter. "They must be given the time
necessary to plan their future and decide whether this project is in the
best interests of their people."
Shell hopes to continue its exploratory drilling program in the area
this summer. If they push ahead despite indigenous opposition, elders in
the community have indicated they will protest by blockading access roads.
Royal Dutch Shell is the world's second largest corporation behind Exxon
Mobil. Its head offices are in London and The Hague.
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Contact:
Will Horter, Dogwood Initiative:
(250) 370-9930, ext. 23 or (250) 418-1672 (cell),
whorter@dogwoodinitiative.org
View the video online at www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2RUhJGbjDM
