Part One: Band Claims Lack of Consultation on Municipal Wells Project

Videography, Video Editing and Reporting by Chris Johnson

March 5, 2010

On February 25, 2010, the Halalt First Nation erected a road block in front of it’s band offices to stop traffic between Crofton and Chemainus.

The purpose of this blockade is to bring attention to what the Halalt feel has been a lack of consultation from the municipality of North Cowichan over municipal wells being drilled into the Chemainus aquifer.

Work began late last year on the $5.7 million Chemainus Wells Project, which involves two wells, a pump station, four kilometres of new pipe, and a 4.5 million-litre concrete reservoir.

The Halalt assert that this project infringes on their rights to the Chemainus aquifer, which has been their source of water, and a vital part of their culture.

A British Columbia Supreme Court Judicial Review has been called to examine the Halalt’s claims. In an interview with B Channel News, Halalt band councillor Tyler George had this to say about having erected the blockade while their case was before the courts.
“My understanding is that because we live in a free country, we’re allowed to exercise our democratic right to peaceful protest, and that in no way will it bias the outcome of our judicial review.”

In the video on the left, we begin our look at this issue by hearing from people at the blockade why they are there.

We also include a video clip from another local news source, and links to various online newspaper articles, in order to give you a broad context for this issue.

Update: The blockade came down on March 11, 2010, after Halalt representatives met with representatives of the municipal and provincial governments in Victoria. National Chief Shaw A-in-chut Atleo, of the Assembly of First Nations, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs and Grand Chief Doug Kelly, of the BC First Nations Summit had all issued statements supporting the Halalt and their demands for consultation on the issues of a comprehensive watershed management plan.

During the two weeks of the blockade, the Halalt were were visited from supporters native and non-native supporters from all over Vancouver Island and British Columbia.

Representatives of the municipality of North Cowichan will meet with the Halalt again within the next ten days to discuss approaches to watershed management.

Organizers of the blockade say that the road could be blocked again at any time, if things don’t go as planned.

Related News Links

Natives dismantle two-week-old Vancouver Island blockade after successful talks
Times Colonist – March 11, 2010

Halalt blockade could end today after water talks
Times Colonist – March 11, 2010

Halalt remove roadblock
Globe and Mail – March 11, 2010

All quiet on the Westholme front
Ladysmith Chronicle – March 10, 2010

Axe raises tension at Vancouver Island blockade
CBC.ca – ?March 9, 2010

Halalt blockade about well-water rights gains citizen support during rally
Cowichan News Leader – March 6, 2010

Halalt smacked with racist graffiti
Cowichan News Leader – March 5, 2010

Tensions flare over ongoing blockade
Canada.com – March 4, 2010

Police willing to wait on blockade for now, but not forever
Alberni Valley News – March 3, 2010

Native protesters block road between Crofton and Chemainus
Times Colonist – February 27, 2010

Halalt road blockade joins legal challenge to North Cowichan’s well project
Cowichan News Leader – February 26, 2010

Halalt files for Wells Project Review
Klahowya – October 2, 2010

After 5-year delay, construction starts on well system in Chemainus, British Columbia
Journal of Commerce – September 3, 2009