Peace Region Educators Concerned about Site C

We, the undersigned, are educators in the Peace River area of northeastern British Columbia. We teach (or have responsibilities related to teaching) at elementary, secondary, and/or postsecondary levels.

In signing this petition, we do not profess to represent the view of a particular school or institution. Instead, we are exercising our individual judgement as citizens who are committed to a thoughtful discussion of social and environmental issues.

While we recognize the complexities and competing demands involved in energy planning, we understand that a growing body of academic literature has shown large dams may have serious economic, social, and environmental costs.

The potential Site C dam is no exception. Values associated with what remains of BC's Peace River valley include:

· First Nations heritage sites and territory that continues to function as an important cultural resource for First Nations people

· class 1 and 2 agricultural land

· ranchland

· multi-generational family homesteads that have individual and cultural significance

· important land habitat for animals such as grizzly bears and caribou, particularly in regard to population interconnectivity through the Peace corridor

· important aquatic habitat for fish species such as bull trout

· large tracts of timber and vegetation that absorb CO2

· recreation and tourism opportunities in a valley whose scenic beauty is of provincial significance.

Insofar as the potential Site C dam threatens these values, it cannot legitimately be regarded as a "clean" or "green"source of energy.