OHSWEKEN — In a unanimous vote on Monday, Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council decided to decline two $20,000 in cash donations collectively from Enbridge and TransCanada.
The two energy giants each offered a $10,000 donation to Six Nations to help fight COVID-19 in the community.
SNGR Councillor Michelle Bomberry brought the issue to council during the Political Liaison meeting on Monday morning and said TransCanada wrote in an email that they were working toward a joint venture with Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation.
“That’s news to me. I haven’t had any discussions with TC Energy”, responded Dev Corp CEO Matt Jamieson.
Six Nations has actively voiced opposition to the oil and gas industry in Canada. In 2016, the Council became signatory to a modern Treaty Alliance Against Oil Sands with First Nations across the country – pledging to support one another in the struggle against resource extrapolation on indigenous land. In 2018, SNGR issued a public notice declaring they would not work with Enbridge in any capacity. In 2019 the council came declared they were in support of the Wet’suwet’en struggle against TransCanada in their opposition to the pipeline crossing indigenous territory.
SNGR Councillor Helen Miller raised concerns that the energy giant was eager to make a cash donation to Six Nations while apparently misrepresenting themselves with claims they are seeking a joint venture with the community.
“I certainly object to accepting this,” said Councillor Melba Thomas.
SNGR Councillor Nathan Wright voiced opposition to accepting the donation – saying that the council has stood in solidarity with other indigenous people struggling against both Enbridge and TransCanada and said it is a matter of principle to not accept the donation.
Council was also not impressed with the level of donation being offered. “When you talk about $10,000, and the money they make, it’s a drop in the bucket,” said Elected Chief Mark Hill.
A motion was put to the floor and council voted to decline both offers.
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