Lax Kw'alaams First Nation opposes Eagle Spirit Energy pipeline

A First Nation in B.C. is contradicting recent claims from Eagle Spirit Energy about its support for a pipeline that would transport crude oil through its territory from Alberta to B.C.'s northwest coast.

Eagle Spirit Energy met with dozens of First Nations communities last weekend. On Tuesday, it announced that200 representatives from 30 First Nations, including the LaxKw'alaams,spoke out insupportofthe company's proposed pipeline project.

ButLax Kw'alaams Mayor Garry Reece says that's not entirely correct.

"That's not the case," said Reece."There's some that support it, yeah, but that's a handful of them."

Eagle Spirit Energy calls the coastal LaxKw'alaamscommunity a key to its proposed pipeline as it's the region to which oil from Alberta would be shipped.

Reece saysthe proposal needs approval from the entire community, not just a few representatives.

"Until we hear from our people to see if they're going tosupport oil, no matter what kind of oil it is, it has to come from our people."

Lax Kw'alaams will start its own research into the pipeline proposal.Reece says only then he can really educate his people on what it might mean for the community.

TheLaxKw'alaams First Nation recently voted against a $1 billion LNG proposal from energy companyPetronas and the province.

• Lax Kw'alaams Band reject $1B LNG deal near Prince Rupert