Enbridge Concert: First Nations and Famous Friends Say "No" to Northern Gateway Oil Tanker and Pipeline Project

PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Feb. 1, 2012) - First Nations, Canadian rock and jazz musicians, performers and speakers from across North America will gather in Prince Rupert this Saturday (February 4^th), to join hands with the Gitga'at Nation of North Western BC in a united stand against the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway oil tanker and pipeline project, which would bring oil super tankers to BC's coastal waters for the first time.

Running from 11am until midnight, the event is hosted by the Gitga'at Nation and starts at Mariner's Park with a parade to the Jim Ciccone Civic Center. The set list ranges from Canadian rocker Bif Naked and jazz pianist Murray Porter, to Shane Yellowbird and Rafe Mair, a formed Socred cabinet minister and radio talk show host.

Coming one day before the 53^rd Annual All Native Basketball Tournament, the rally is expected to draw more than 2000 participants, and rank as one of the largest against the Enbridge oil tanker and pipeline project.

"We have organized this event to tell our young people that oil tankers and pipelines are a direct threat to our way of life," says Marven Robinson, Hartley Bay Elected Councillor. "This project is a direct threat to the fisheries that sustain us, and the investments we have made to reduce our nation's reliance on fossil fuels."

The Gitga'at have been active partners in the development of a sustainable economy in the Great Bear Rainforest, including run-of-river hydropower development. In 2006, the Gitga'at experienced an oil spill first hand when the BC Ferry "Queen of the North" sank in front of their community of Hartley Bay. The wreckage still releases toxins into the environment, fouling shellfish beds and harming ground fisheries.

"We've already experienced an oil spill," says Robinson. "And that was nothing compared to what would happen with a super tanker in the narrow waters of Douglas Channel. Our people speak with one voice against the Enbridge project: the risk is not acceptable."

Media are invited to attend Saturday's public rally in Prince Rupert, with some travel assistance available to camera crews and freelance reporters.