The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as coordinated efforts by the federal and provincial governments to fast-track new fossil fuel infrastructure and energy export proposals in British Columbia. In a statement issued July 7, 2026, the FNLC argued that such initiatives are being pursued under the pretext of economic development and national interest, but without obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of affected First Nations.
FNLC: Reconciliation Cannot Coexist with Unilateral Decisions
The FNLC, representing the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, emphasized that reconciliation cannot coexist with unilateral decisions that undermine First Nations’ rights, title, human and treaty rights. The council highlighted the constitutional duty to consult and accommodate, stating that any proposal affecting First Nations lands, waters, resources, or future generations must be explored in partnership with the Nations whose rights and territories are directly impacted.
“Once again, Crown governments are trying to frame fossil fuel expansion as a nation-building exercise while sidelining the very communities who will be affected or endure the destructive climate impacts,” said UBCIC President Grand Chief Stewart Phillip. “We celebrate and acknowledge the incredible advocacy of the Coastal First Nations who have successfully defended the north coast from a new pipeline; however, we note that southern First Nations have not yet even been consulted about a new pipeline through their territories. First Nations will never consent to the erosion of our rights in the name of convenience or political expediency.”
First Nations Assert Rights-Holder Status
The FNLC stressed that First Nations hold diverse perspectives on stewardship responsibilities, economic development, and resource projects. Decisions about their territories rest exclusively with each Nation, and Crown governments must respect their authority to shape their own futures free from political pressure or coercion.
“When it comes to decisions about our own territories, First Nations are not stakeholders—we are rights holders and governments,” stated BCAFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee. “Any bid to fast-track major projects must begin with respect for First Nations jurisdiction and meaningful Nation-to-Nation engagement. Crown governments cannot claim to support reconciliation while pursuing processes aimed at side-stepping consent, dismantling safeguards, or strong-arming First Nations into preset outcomes.”
Call to Uphold Legislative Duties
The FNLC called on Canada and British Columbia to uphold their legislative and constitutional duties under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (British Columbia), and the Constitution Act, 1982. The council warned that economic uncertainty cannot be used to justify abandoning these vital commitments or diminishing the constitutional rights of First Nations. The council’s statement comes amid growing tensions over proposed pipeline and energy export projects in southern British Columbia, where consultation processes have been criticized as inadequate.
