The First Nations oppose the Enbridge pipelines. A press conference

A press conference was held on March 23rd 2010 marking the 21st anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. On that day in 1989, a vessel spilled about 40 million litres ( 10.8 gallons) of crude oil just off an Alaskan coast, eventually covering 1,300 square miles of ocean. It killed approximately 22 orcas, 247 bald eagles, 300 harbor seals, at least 2,800 sea otters, 250,000 seabirds, as well as the destruction of billions of salmon and herring. 20 years later, 26 thousand gallons of the oil still remain in the sandy shorelines and scientists say the effects of the spill can still be seen within the wildlife and their habitats. Remembering 'one of the most devastating human-caused environmental disasters ever to occur in history' was a good introduction for the topic in opposition. Headed by the Nadleh Whut’en drummers into the press conference were members of the First Nations, environmentalists and many others who are joining together to oppose the two, 1,170 km Enbridge pipelines from bringing Alberta's Tar Sands to BC's coast. The pipelines heading East and West would carry about 525,000 barrels of oil and 193,000 barrels of condensate (a petroleum byproduct used to thin tar sands bitumen). Each would cross over about 1000 streams and rivers and would marginally increase the number of oil bearing super tankers to, from, and along the coast. Oil spills happen every year, we just don't hear about them. In 2006, Enbridge reported 67 spills and 65 spills in 2007. The risks associated to the proposed Enbridge pipelines are devastating.

"Any spill would be catastrophic to our marine ecosystem, as well as the social, cultural and economic well-being of our communities. We believe that faced with broad opposition, Enbridge will withdraw its pipeline proposal. To those who share our commitment to the well being of the planet we invite you to join us in defending this magnificent coast, its creatures, cultures and communities." Coastal First Nations. Great Bear Initiative.