A conflict has erupted in British Columbia’s Interior as the Splatsin First Nation halted construction on the R.W. Bruhn Bridge replacement project in Sicamous, on Hwy 1.
The community alleges that its workers and businesses have been excluded from meaningful involvement in the $224-million government-funded initiative. On Monday morning, four dump trucks from the Splatsin Development Corporation (SDC) were positioned at both ends of the bridge, bringing construction to a stop.
The protest targets the joint venture responsible for the project—Aecon-Emil Anderson Construction General Partnership (AEGP). Splatsin leaders argue that while the initiative was initially presented as a multi-year opportunity for Indigenous collaboration, only a fraction of that promise has materialized. SDC representatives claim that despite operating within Secwépemc traditional territory, their involvement was reduced to just a few months of substantive work.
Among the grievances raised are the sudden removal of SDC trucks despite an alleged 50/50 partnership in trucking services, the exclusion of Indigenous-run emergency medical services from the site, and erratic scheduling that has contributed to job insecurity. Reports also suggest that Indigenous workers were sometimes dismissed without explanation, and procurement agreements that would have benefited local Indigenous fuel suppliers were reportedly ignored or replaced.
In response, the Ministry of Transportation acknowledged the situation and expressed a desire to work with all parties to find a resolution. A detour route has been established to allow traffic to continue despite the blockade. The province maintains it is monitoring the issue closely and reaffirmed its recognition of Splatsin’s cultural and territorial connection to the project site.
Splatsin leaders view this situation as symptomatic of a broader pattern, where infrastructure contractors across B.C. bypass commitments under Indigenous inclusion frameworks. The Neskonlith Indian Band, another Secwépemc community, has voiced support for Splatsin, citing similar frustrations with the provincial implementation of the B.C. Infrastructure Benefits (BCIB) model.
The Trans-Canada Highway in Sicamous remains blocked at the bridge construction site as of Tuesday. The British Columbia Ministry of Transportation has confirmed that the bridge will remain closed to general traffic until further notice. A detour route is available via Highways 97A and 97B.
The call now is for the government to enforce its Indigenous Opportunities Implementation Plan and ensure that reconciliation is reflected not just in words, but in action.
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