Splatsin First Nation halts B.C. bridge work over exclusion from key agreements, demanding economic inclusion and respect for Indigenous rights.
Splatsin First Nation Halts B.C. Bridge Work in Protest
Construction on the $224-million R.W. Bruhn Bridge replacement in Sicamous, B.C., came to a standstill Monday after members of the Splatsin First Nation blocked access to the site, citing broken promises and economic exclusion.
Dump Trucks, Detours, and Demands for Justice
Beginning at 10 a.m., four Splatsin Development Corporation (SDC) trucks stationed themselves at both ends of the bridge, stopping construction on the much-anticipated four-lane structure meant to span the Sicamous Narrows.
“This is our only recourse,” said Chief Mike Christian, who also chairs SDC. “Our members are struggling. Every opportunity counts, and we’ve been cut out.”
A $224M Project Without Full Indigenous Participation
The bridge project, delivered by the Aecon–Emil Anderson Construction General Partnership, was positioned as a two-year opportunity for regional participation — including Indigenous stakeholders.
Yet, Splatsin leaders say they were only given three months of meaningful work, far from the long-term partnership they were promised.
SDC CEO Grahame Go accused the contractors of “corporate opportunism,” using Indigenous collaboration to meet requirements on paper, but sidelining their businesses in practice.
Allegations of Breached Agreements and Disrespect
Among the concerns raised by Splatsin:
- Emergency medical vehicles operated by Indigenous crews removed from site
- SDC trucks removed, despite a 50/50 trucking deal
- Frequent last-minute schedule changes destabilizing jobs
- Indigenous workers sent home without explanation
- Fuel agreements favouring Indigenous suppliers ignored or altered
Chief Christian said the solution is simple: “We want a signed commitment from the Ministry or the companies to uphold the terms originally agreed upon.”
Province Responds, But Resolution Still Pending
In response to the protest, the Ministry of Transportation acknowledged the situation and stated it is “working closely with all parties” to resolve the issue.
“We recognize the deep cultural roots that Splatsin has to the area,” the ministry’s statement read, encouraging motorists to check DriveBC for detour updates.
Neither Aecon nor Emil Anderson Construction responded to media requests by the publishing deadline.
Not an Isolated Incident, Says Splatsin
The Splatsin Nation emphasized that this isn’t an isolated grievance — it represents a systemic problem. They accuse contractors of bypassing their obligations under B.C.’s Indigenous participation framework, diluting the spirit of reconciliation.
The Neskonlith Indian Band, another Secwépemc community, issued a strong show of support, echoing similar concerns over how the B.C. Infrastructure Benefits (BCIB) model is being implemented.
“These practices are not just discriminatory,” wrote Chief Irvin Wai, “they are a setback to the prosperity and autonomy of our people.”
Call to Uphold Reconciliation and Equity
Splatsin is now demanding the enforcement of the Indigenous Opportunities Implementation Plan, urging the province to step up and uphold commitments made in the name of reconciliation and inclusion.
“This was supposed to be about shared opportunity,” said Chief Christian. “Instead, we’ve been sidelined in our own land.”
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for continuing updates on the R.W. Bruhn Bridge project and Indigenous participation in provincial infrastructure initiatives.
