Wilsey Dam on the Shuswap River (Photo credit: BC Hydro)

By Pete McIntyre

BC Hydro

Dam plan sparks frustration for North Okanagan First Nation

Sep 23, 2021 | 6:00 PM

The chief of Splatsin is accusing BC Hydro of disregarding their title and rights.

Wayne Christian is upset that the Crown utility decided to decommission the Wilsey hydroelectric dam on the Shuswap River near Lumby, without getting what he says is mandated consent from his and other local First Nations.

Christian said it contradicts BC Hydro’s mandate to incorporate UNDRIP (UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) into its business practices, which he calls a “complete disregard of BC Hydro’s mandate and our title and rights.”

The chief said the bands made an offer to acquire the dam and turn it into a run-of-the-river system to generate power and economic opportunities, as well as helping the salmon population.

Christian said the offer was denied under the premise that there are other Indigenous nations with whom BC Hydro has obligations to uphold.

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“However, communication from BC Hydro to Splatsin clearly acknowledges that the Wilsey Dam falls within the core territory of Splatsin and the Secwépemc Nation, and therefore, no other nations needed to be consulted,” the chief stated.

Since learning of the decision to decommission the dam, Splatsin has learned that the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) and the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) were consulted during the process.

“For BC Hydro to suggest and acknowledge that another nation, ONA or its member band OKIB, have title and rights to an area within Splatsin’s core area and within the Secwépemc Nation is unacceptable,” Christian remarked.

You can read the full news release from Splatsin here.