Wednesday July 8th, 2026, Leey’qsun (Valdes Island), BC – July 8, 2026

Recent multibillion-dollar B.C.-Ottawa energy deal was inked without adequate consultation from impacted Nations: Huy’wu’qw Laxele’wuts’aat (Hereditary Chief) of Lyackson First Nation Shana Thomas.

On July 2, 2026, Premier Eby and Prime Minister Carney announced a “landmark, generational” deal, the Canada-British Columbia Cooperative Prosperity Agreement. The agreement upholds the Northern BC Tanker Traffic Ban & commits billions to energy and infrastructure projects to increase traffic through the Salish Sea – in the heart of Quw’utsun Nation territory.

“Any increase in marine shipping activity in the Salish Sea will affect our harvesting, cultural practices, environmental stewardship responsibilities, and the exercise of constitutionally protected Aboriginal rights” shares Huy’wu’qw Laxele’wuts’aat (Hereditary Chief) of Lyackson First Nation Shana Thomas, a member of Quw’utsun Nation.

Thomas continues, “The waters surrounding Leey’qsun Island are of profound cultural, ecological, and spiritual importance that have sustained our community since time immemorial.”

Download the Press Release below to learn more!

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