Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) Newswire @fishlake-blog - Tumblr Blog

'Inflammatory misleading' language by John Cummins in Williams Lake

Welcome to Williams Lake - Monday, 02 July 2012 Editor: As BC Conservative party leader John Cummins was in Williams Lake recently, I can’t help but comment on a rather irresponsible remark that he made concerning a single group having veto power over the proposed mine at Fish Lake. John Cummins knows full well that this is not the case. Veto power by definition only applies to power granted senates, or presidents of republic states. I think that Mr Cummins needs to re-think his language as his use of this word is not only misleading, but also inflammatory. I don’t know how many times the fact of the matter has to be repeated but I will do so again for the sake of peace, and so that anyone who cares has the facts. In the case of the proposed mine at Fish Lake, full consultation with First Nations is not only morally necessary, but full consultation is now, as it has been from the beginning, required by the courts of the land. While so many people have gone off in a tangent, valuable time has been wasted, relations have been strained, and for what? Dave Ligertwood http://welcometowilliamslake.ca/index.php/letters/61-letters/5746-inflammatory-misleading-language-by-john-cummins-in-williams-lake.html

#John Cummins #BC Conservative #Fish Lake #Dave Ligertwood #inflammatory misleading language

APTN National News - June 29, 2012

#Tsilhqot'in #Supreme Court #Court of Appeal #Roger William #Grand Chief Stewart Phillip

William and Alphonse respond to Tsilhqot'in court ruling

Williams Lake Tribune - June 28, 2012 Roger William's reaction to the B.C. Court of Appeal decision on the William Case this week is mixed. "I think in a sense we feel that we have title and are certainly disappointed, but at the same time the appeal did uphold our rights, which is very strong. In that sense I'm very happy," said William, one of the three plaintiffs. The other two who appealed the case are the provincial and federal governments. Regarding title, William said the judge ruled that he didn't feel that an overall territorial title was warranted in the case. "We won't be going to the Supreme Court of Canada pushing for site specific rights," William said. "The Tsilhqot'in understanding of title is title for the whole area. There's no place in the country or the world that has title to specific areas. You can look up any country and see that the don't have title that is site specific; they have title to a whole area and they have a boundary." William said First Nations have tried treaties, but they have been broken, and court cases seem to be the only option. "Certainly it is status quo in terms of the Judge Vicker's decision where we feel and understand that our declaration of rights to hunt, to trade, to trap and use wild horses means that Canada and B.C. have to prove to us that they will not infringe on those aboriginal rights to those areas." William said as he listened to the ruling he was thinking about the elders and children in his community. Some of the members from his community who testified are no longer alive. His mood changed from being disappointed to feeling things could have been worse. "What about trade. What about horses? That still remains. The ruling hands down lots of protection and issues that we can work on," he said. Tlet'inqox (Anaham) Chief Joe Alphonse said the William case and subsequent appeal have been a long fight for the Tsilhqot'in Nation. "Since 1992, we've been struggling with this issue, but the verdict in the court of appeal today upheld our rights and access to resources on our traditional lands," Alphonse said Wednesday. One area he says is weak is the ruling around recognized title. "We're describing it as a postage stamp approach. As Tsilhqot'in we recognize having ownership to the whole territory, not bits and pieces. It opens the door to take that specific issue and challenge to the Supreme Court of Canada." By right, Alphonse says he thinks an issue that large should go to the Supreme Court of Canada. It's an issue that all First Nations across Canada are struggling and fighting with. And if it's overruled there, the implications will be felt all across the country, not just in B.C. Alphonse says, adding there's still work to do to push the issue. "We'll continue to digest the ruling step by step and make appropriate decisions at the appropriate time."

http://www.wltribune.com/news/160753675.html

#Tsilhqot'in court ruling #Roger William #William Case #Judge Vickers #Chief Joe Alphonse #Tsilhqot'in Nation

Decision in native land rights likely to lead to Supreme Court of Canada

The Province - June 27, 2012

(Please read link for comments)

After five years and $30 million in litigation, the B.C. Court of Appeal has dismissed sweeping aboriginal title but defined a new “postage-stamp” type of native claim that includes hunting and trapping rights. The court also found the B.C. government had “infringed” on the title of the Tsilhqot’in First Nation by allowing logging without proper consultation. The long-awaited but far from clearcut court ruling creates certainty on only one point: There will be more litigation. “We will take this all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada,” pledged Chief Marilyn Baptiste of the Xeni Gwet’in. Baptiste predicted Wednesday’s decision will make it more difficult for the Taseko Mines’s New Prosperity Project to proceed without proper consultation, noting the court found even logging roads infringed on native rights. The mine was not referenced in the court case but is within the Tsilhqot’in land claim, and the court ruled First Nations must be “properly” consulted. B.C. Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Mary Polak said in a statement Wednesday that the appeal court found “aboriginal title must be demonstrated on a site-specific rather than a territorial basis.” Polak quoted the appeal court decision as saying that “consultation and negotiation are, without a doubt, the preferred routes to reconciliation of aboriginal rights with the needs of British Columbia as a whole.” Polak said her government is already doing that, and has “made significant changes in the way it works with First Nations. “B.C. remains committed to negotiations, rather than litigation, as the primary means of reconciling Crown-First Nations interests.” Chief Joe Alphonse, Tribal Chair of the Tsilhqot’in National Government, said the court battle, which took 339 court days and heard from 24 aboriginal witnesses, many speaking in their own language, “is just one step in a much larger struggle.” The case was named after the lead plaintiff, Councillor Roger William from Xeni Gwet’in, who spoke in his wide cowboy hat and buckskin jacket at a press conference afterward. William gave a rustic spin to the ruling: “The court is saying we own the cabin, and the outhouse and the barn, but none of the land in between, even though we’re allowed to keep hunting, trapping and running our horses there.” William said that the court recognized the Tsilhqot’in rights to wild horses on the range and hunting, but not to control resources being harvested on land claimed by First Nations. “This decision just sets it up nicely for the next court,” said William. Alphonse admitted that the case has cost “millions and millions” of dollars to date but pledged to continue the battle to Canada’s highest court. The appeal court panel, made up of Justice Harvey Groberman, Justice Risa Levine and Justice David Tysoe, called the case one that covered more scope than almost any previous aboriginal test case. The William case encompassed “a wide range of disciplines, including anthropology, archeology, cartography and biology,” the judges’ panel said. The appeal court did acknowledge aboriginal title to a broad swath of about 2,000 sq. km of land in north central B.C., but did little to clarify what that title means on the ground. The court said First Nations should be able to earn a “moderate livelihood” from the land they claim, but dismissed the notion they had primary title. The unanimous 103-page decision said the B.C. government infringed on native rights by allowing logging in the Chilcotin area claimed by natives. Much of the decision of the trial judge, the late B.C. Supreme Court Judge David Vickers, was upheld by the appeal court. “The judge [Vickers] determined that there was no governmental objective that was sufficiently weighty to justify the infringement of Tsilhqot’in aboriginal rights,” wrote Judge Groberman. “I would not interfere with that determination.” The battle that led to Wednesday’s decision began in 1989, when the Xeni Gwet’in, then the Nemiah Valley Indian band, began blockades and protests against logging roads into their isolated valley. Litigation began in December 2002, and Vickers ruled in 2007 that the Tsilhqot’in had proven aboriginal title and established certain rights. The Tsilhqot’in have about 90 days to file an appeal to Canada’s highest court.

http://www.theprovince.com/news/Mining+prep+aboriginal+lands+infringed+Chilcotin+First+Nation/6849011/story.html

#Tsilhqot'in First Nation #Chief Marilyn Baptiste #Xeni Gwet'in #Taseko Mines’s New Prosperity Project #Mary Polak #Chief Joe Alphonse #Tsilhqot’in National Government #Councillor Roger William #Justice Harvey Groberman #Justice Risa Levine #Justice David Tysoe #Chilcotin #Judge David Vickers #Nemiah Valley Indian band

The Courts of British Columbia - Recently Released Judgments

June 27, 2012

William v. British Columbia, 2012 BCCA 285 – 2012/06/27 Court of Appeal In response to proposed logging activities, the plaintiff sought a declaration that the Tsilhqot’in Nation holds Aboriginal title to an area of the Chilcotin comprising approximately 4,380 km2. He also sought a declaration that the Xeni Gwet’in had rights to hunt and trap in the area, and that those rights had been infringed. The judge found the claim to Aboriginal title over the entire Claim Area was not made out but considered Aboriginal title to approximately 40% of the Area proven. He held the claim was of an “all or nothing” nature and considered himself unable to grant a lesser declaration of Aboriginal title. He dismissed the claim to title, but without prejudice to future claims. The defendants conceded that the Xeni Gwet’in had rights to hunt and trap in the Claim Area, but British Columbia objected to the plaintiff recasting his claim as a claim on behalf of the entire Tsilhqot’in nation. It also contended that the rights did not extend to trading in skins and pelts. A third issue with respect to Aboriginal rights concerned the right to capture wild horses and use them for transportation and work. British Columbia argued that as horses are not native to North America, any Tsilhqot’in use of horses was the result of European influence, and therefore not a traditional Aboriginal right. The judge found that hunting and trapping rights extended to the Tsilhqot’in Nation and allowed the plaintiff to advance the claim on that basis. He accepted that the rights included a right to trade for the purpose of securing a moderate livelihood. Further, he found a proven Aboriginal right to capture and use wild horses. The judge found that proposed forestry activities in the Claim Area were incompatible with the Aboriginal rights of the Tsilhqot’in, and that no valid governmental objective justified the prima facie infringement of Aboriginal rights. The plaintiff appealed from the dismissal of the Aboriginal title claim. Canada appealed from the judge’s declaration that the dismissal of the Aboriginal title claim was without prejudice to future claims. British Columbia appealed from the declarations with respect to Aboriginal rights. All three appeals are dismissed. The judge erred in holding that the Aboriginal title claim was an “all or nothing” claim. Had he been correct in finding that title was proven over part of the Claim Area, it would have been appropriate for him to make a declaration of Aboriginal title in respect of that part. He was, however, in error in adopting a “territorial” approach to Aboriginal title. Aboriginal title is site-specific in nature, and depends on showing intensive or regular occupation of a definite tract of land. As the claim in this case was of a territorial nature, title was not proven over any specific site. The Aboriginal title claim, therefore, must be dismissed. The case was not presented as a case dealing with site-specific Aboriginal title, and given the legal context in which it was pursued, it would have been impractical and unrealistic to do so. Accordingly, the judge was right to make the dismissal of the title claim without prejudice to any future claims for more confined and definite areas. There was evidence before the trial judge demonstrating that, from the First Nations perspective, the Tsilhqot’in were the proper claimants in respect of Aboriginal rights. The judge tacitly allowed an amendment of the pleadings to allow the claim to be advanced on behalf of the Tsilhqot’in Nation, and did not err in doing so. There was evidence, as well, establishing trading rights in skins and pelts. The judge’s finding that the right was a right to trade for the purpose of securing “a moderate livelihood” was supported by the evidence and is not otherwise objectionable. Given the judge’s inference that the Tsilhqot’in independently developed the practice of capturing and using horses as the animals appeared in their traditional territory, the mere fact that horses had, at some earlier time, been re-introduced to North America by Europeans did not prevent the capture and use of horses from being an Aboriginal right. The judge made no error in finding that the high-level forestry planning that had taken place was incompatible with the hunting and trapping rights of the Tsilhqot’in. In the circumstances, he had discretion to grant the declaration that he did, and made no error in doing so. The judge’s finding that there was no important governmental objective served by logging the claim area was fatal to any argument of justification. Accordingly, he did not err in finding an unjustified infringement of Tsilhqot’in Aboriginal rights.

http://www.courts.gov.bc.ca/court_of_appeal/recent_judgments.aspx

#Tsilhqot’in Nation #Xeni Gwet’in

Picture taken by Jay Nelson - June 27, 2012

Jody Wilson-Raybould, Chief Joe Alphonse, Grant Alphonse, Grand Chief Stewart Philip, Councillor Roger William, Chief Ivor Myers, Chief Francis Laceese, Chief Marilyn Baptiste, Chief Percy Guichon, Councillor Clayton Charleyboy, Grand Chief Ed John, and Chief Francis' son.

Aboriginal land rights upheld by B.C. Court of Appeal

The Globe and Mail - June 27, 2012

A fight over aboriginal title and rights that began when natives blockaded a logging road in the Chilcotin region of British Columbia 20 years ago appears headed for the Supreme Court of Canada. Expressing a “bittersweet” mix of satisfaction and dismay with a ruling the B.C. Court of Appeal handed down on Wednesday, native leaders said they have no choice but to take their legal battle to the highest court in the land. To do otherwise, they said, would condemn first nations to live in poverty without control over the land they have used for centuries. The Tsilhqot’in First Nation, which represents six bands in central B.C., won partial victories when both the Supreme Court of B.C. and the Court of Appeal confirmed their traditional rights to use the land. But the decisions failed to give the Tsilhqot’in what they really want – a clear declaration that they hold aboriginal title over more than 4,000 square kilometres of land west of Williams Lake. “It’s been a long road,” Chief Joe Alphonse, tribal chairman of the Tsilhqot’in National Government, said at a press conference after the Appeal Court released its ruling. He said the Tsilhqot’in have support from native groups nationally and provincially, and there is wide agreement the case must go to the Supreme Court of Canada. Chief Alphonse said the decades-old fight has cost “a lot – you are talking millions,” but the matter is too important to drop. “We’re not here to shy away, we’re not here to back down,” he said. “We will not stand down from this fight,” agreed Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs. In its ruling, the B.C. Court of Appeal upheld key aspects of a landmark 2007 decision in which the late B.C. Supreme Court Justice David Vickers found the Tsilhqot’in have rights to the lands they use and that logging unfairly infringes on those rights. He declined to make a declaration of title over the disputed land, but said: “The court offers the opinion that Tsilhqot’in aboriginal title does exist inside and outside the claim area.” The Appeal Court, however, rejected some of Mr. Justice Vickers’ legal reasoning, specifically challenging his notion that aboriginal claims to title can be established simply by proving native people travelled across the land. It said broad use of territory isn’t good enough, but rather intense use of specific sites must be shown. The case began when Roger William, then chief of the Xeni Gwet’in band, brought an action on behalf of the larger Tsilhqot’in First Nation in an attempt to stop several forest companies from logging in the Nemiah Valley. Band members had blocked roads, claiming that logging was damaging their rights to hunt, trap, trade and capture wild horses. Chief Phillip welcomed the affirmation of rights, but said the decision by the Appeal Court to narrow how title can be established is a blow to first nations. “I’m deeply disappointed at the title aspects of this decision. In my view, it’s incredibly racist,” he said, because it does not reflect the aboriginal view that land is an inextricably connected web. Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit also rejected the court’s views on title, saying the “postage stamp approach” to land claims isn’t acceptable. He said that would give first nations title to specific village and fishing sites, but not the land that connected them.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/aboriginal-land-rights-upheld-by-bc-court-of-appeal/article4374527/?service=mobile

#Chief Joe Alphonse #Tsilhqot’in National Government #Fish Lake mine #Taseko Mines #New Prosperity Mine #Grand Chief Stewart Phillip #Justice David Vickers #Roger William #Grand Chief Edward John

Court of Appeal for British Columbia - June 27, 2012

#Tsilhqot’in Nation #Roger William

Statement in response to William decision

June 27, 2012

STATEMENT For Immediate Release 2012ARR0018-000947 June 27, 2012 Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Statement in response to William decision VICTORIA – Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Mary Polak released the following statement today regarding the B.C. Court of Appeal's decision in Roger William v. British Columbia (Attorney General): “The B.C. Court of Appeal, in finding that Aboriginal title must be demonstrated on a site-specific rather than a territorial basis, accepted British Columbia's interpretation of earlier Supreme Court of Canada decisions. As a result, the Court of Appeal found Aboriginal title was not found in this case. “The Court of Appeal said: 'Consultation and negotiation are, without a doubt, the preferred routes to reconciliation of Aboriginal rights with the needs of British Columbians as a whole.' “Since the William trial began in 2002, British Columbia has made significant changes in the way it works with First Nations. B.C. remains committed to negotiations, rather than litigation, as the primary means of reconciling Crown-First Nations interests and building and maintaining positive working relationships. "The B.C. government and the Tsilhqot’in Nation have been working together over the past few years under the Tsilhqot’in Framework Agreement. Our government remains committed to pursuing reconciliation with the Tsilhqot’in.” Contact: Robin Platts Government Communications and Public Engagement Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation 250 387-1204 250 213-6451 (cell) Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect

http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013/2012ARR0018-000947.htm

#Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Mary Polak #Roger William v. British Columbia #Court of Appeal #Tsilhqot’in Nation #Tsilhqot’in Framework Agreement #Robin Platts

UBCIC News Release - June 27, 2012

CORRECTION -- MEDIA ADVISORY: TSILHQOT'IN NATION COMMENTS ON COURT OF APPEAL DECISION June 26, 11:30 A.M. Vancouver / Coast Salish Territory - Members of the Tsilhqot'in National Government will provide comments and be available for questions regarding this morning's BC Court of Appeal judgement in William v. British Columbia. WHEN: June 26, 2012 CORRECTION -- 11:30 a.m. PT is the correct time WHERE: Suite 500 - 342 Water Street, Union of BC Indian Chiefs WHO:

Chief Joe Alphonse, Tsilhqot'in National Government Tribal Chairman Chief Bernie Elkins, Tsilhqot'in National Government Vice Chair Chief Marilyn Baptiste, Tsilhqot'in National Government Secretary/Treasurer of the Union of British Columbian Indian Chiefs Chief Ivor D. Myers, Tsilhqot'in National Government Chief Percy Guichon, Tsilhqot'in National Government Chief Frances Laceese, Tsilhqot'in National Government

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould, BC Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Ed John, First Nations Summit Friends and Allies Media contacts: Don Bain 604-684-0231 [email protected] The UBCIC is a NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations This page and all other News Releases can be found at: http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/News_Releases/ ================================ Twitter: http://twitter.com/UBCIC Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UBCIC

#Tsilhqot'in Chiefs #UBCIC #Chief Marilyn Baptiste #Chief Joe Alphonse #Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould #Stewart Phillip #Chief Bernie Elkins #Chief Ivor D. Myers #Chief Francis Laceese #Chief Percy Guichon #Grand Chief Ed John

Tsilhqot'in Applaud Affirmation of Aboriginal Rights by BC Court of Appeal

VANCOUVER, June 27, 2012: The Tsilhqot'in Nation has never ceded nor surrendered our title and rights and this point was proven today. Since before the time of contact we have protected and defended our lands, waters and territories.

"Taking our fight to the B.C. Court system is just one step in a much larger struggle that we share with First Nations across B.C. and Canada and should serve as notice to the BC and federal government that the status quo is not viable," said Chief Joe Alphonse, Tribal Chairman of the Tsilhqot'in National Government.

The Tsilhqot'in leadership received today's BC Court of Appeal decision honourably alongside Grand Chief Stewart Phillip from the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), and Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould from the B.C. Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN). The Court of Appeal largely upheld the late Justice Vicker's ruling in the William case, meaning that B.C.'s forest licenses remain struck down, that the Tsilhqot'in have court-recognized Aboriginal rights throughout the claim area, and that the previous Judge's order is upheld in its entirety.

"We are pleased that the Court of Appeal upheld the Late Justice Vicker's findings with regards to the recognition of our Aboriginal rights and the unjust infringement by BC's forestry regime. However, the Court's regressive attitude on the meaning of Aboriginal title creates uncertainty for all Canadians. We will take this key issue to the Supreme Court of Canada. This is a fundamental question for all First Nations," said Chief Marilyn Baptiste of the Xeni Gwet'in.

The Tsilhqot'in Nation takes strong issue with the Court of Appeal's view that Aboriginal title is limited to small 'postage-stamp' areas that does not protect the hunting, trapping and gathering areas that have sustained our Nation since time immemorial. This impoverished view of Aboriginal title is completely unacceptable.

"The BC Court of Appeal decision has led to more uncertainty. Our people know that we have title to our lands and the right to govern ourselves. The BC Court of Appeal does not have the final word on this issue. All of our First Nations will support the Tsilhqot'in in their ongoing efforts for justice," said BC Assembly of First Nations Chief Jody Wilson Raybould.

"The governments need to take this opportunity to recognize Aboriginal Title in its full form. We want this to lead to reconciliation and not to conflict or confrontation." said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the UBCIC.

"What led to this was industry trying to come into the Brittany Triangle for our resources, and to infringe on our Aboriginal rights from clear-cut logging. Many of our Elders who speak only Tsilhqot'in testified in this process. Many are no longer with us, and this ongoing fight is in honour of all of our Elders and future generations," said Councillor Roger William from Xeni Gwet'in.

A Press Conference will be held at the Union of BC Indians Chiefs Office (342 Water Street, 5th Floor, Vancouver, BC) at 11:30AM PST.

For further information:

Media Contacts: Chief Joe Alphonse (250) 305-8282 Chief Marilyn Baptiste (250) 267-1401 Grand Chief Stewart Phillip (250) 490-5314

#Tsilhqot'in Nation #Chief Joe Alphonse #Stewart Phillip #Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould #BC Assembly of First Nations #Chief Marilyn Baptiste #Councillor Roger William #Xeni Gwet'in #UBCIC

Passing of budget bill is bad news for Canadians and the environment

UBCIC News Release - June 19, 2012 Movement to protect nature and democracy in Canada will continue to build.

TORONTO, June 19, 2012 - Today, our elected Members of Parliament passed Bill C-38, ignoring thousands of Canadians who spoke up for nature and democracy. The budget, which represents sweeping changes to environmental protection laws, eases the way for industrial developments that could put the future of our land, water and climate at risk. It also attempts to silence voices of dissent against such developments by making it more difficult for environmental charities to participate in the public policy process. "This bill marks a step backwards for our democracy and economy, as well as for the protection of the air, water and land on which we and our children depend," said Peter Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of the David Suzuki Foundation. "By weakening environmental laws and smothering the voices of First Nations and other concerned Canadians it will undermine communities, add to our economic uncertainty and inhibit investment over the long term." The gutting of environmental safeguards means that Canadians will face increasing risk from big projects like new pipelines, and will have fewer opportunities to participate in the review processes before they are approved. "This budget ignores the true goals of Canadians by changing our laws to fast-track risky major infrastructure projects like the Northern Gateway pipeline," said Rick Smith, Executive Director of Environmental Defence. "Gutting of environmental safeguards and democratic process puts all Canadians at risk." "Concerns about democracy and nature won't just go away because the bill has passed," said Éric Hébert-Daly, National Executive Director, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. "This marks the beginning of a new sustained effort to mobilize Canadians to speak out for nature and democracy. We're more committed than ever to providing the means for everyone who cares about the future of our environment and our democratic rights to have a voice." "Nurses are very concerned about the health of Canadians and the budget bill increases risk to Canadians of factors that contribute to ill health - poverty, environmental degradation and reduced access to services and social supports," said Linda Silas, President of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions.

"Ignoring democracy and silencing First Nations in environmental assessments of major projects will only bring conflict to our territories," said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs. "It is time for people to put down their Starbucks and wake up: this bill will define the future of our country in ways we may not want. We need to remember the hard lessons of Clayoquot Sound, Ipperwash and Oka." This isn't the direction Canadians want their country to go. On June 4, more than 600 organizations and thousands of Canadians came together to speak with one voice, taking part in online actions to oppose Bill C-38, including darkening their websites. That week, #blackoutspeakout trended on Twitter, and almost 50,000 Canadians wrote to their Member of Parliament to say no to the bill. Black Out Speak Out will continue to work to protect nature, democracy, in the interest of all Canadians. Black Out Speak Out (blackoutspeakout.ca / silenceonparle.ca) is a joint project of Canadians Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE), Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), David Suzuki Foundation, Ecojustice, Environmental Defence, Equiterre, Greenpeace, Nature Canada, Pembina Institute, Sierra Club Canada, West Coast Environmental Law, and WWF Canada. For further information: For more information, or to arrange an interview, contact: Stephanie Kohls, Communications Director, Environmental Defence, 416-323-9521 ext. 232; 647-280-9521 (cell); [email protected] The UBCIC is a NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations This page and all other News Releases can be found at: http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/News_Releases/ ================================ Twitter: http://twitter.com/UBCIC Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UBCIC

#Bill C-38 #UBCIC #David Suzuki Foundation

MP Harris defends Bill C-38

Williams Lake - June 18, 2012 Conservative MP Dick Harris says Bill C-38 is a continuation of Canada’s economic plan, introduced by the Conservatives in 2009, and it’s a plan that has worked. “We’ve created over 750,000 new jobs since the beginning of the plan and we’ve gone into phase two which contributed about $53 billion in infrastructure work across the country, including Williams Lake which did really well by that.” Harris cites two large local projects as examples — the Mackenzie Avenue rehabilitation project and the $3.4 million improvement to the Stampede grounds. Responding to criticisms of the bill, particularly the discontinuation of government funding for Katimavik, reduction in funding for Student Works Program, changes to Employment Insurance, and shortening the environmental assessment process, Harris defends the bill. He describes Katimavik as one of the most expensive individually government funded programs. “We have become disappointed, since we’ve been in government, that the corporations in Canada did not deem Katimavik to be a worthy recipient of the many charities that they give too.”

Since 2006, every government funded organization has been asked to look for funding from other sources, Harris says, adding if Katimavik had found partnership funding the outcome might have been different. Independent MLA Cariboo North Bob Simpson attended a Katimavik windup in Quesnel last week and says for want of a few dollars, the government is cutting what has been a long-standing national unity program as well as something that’s had a major impact on our communities in terms of volunteer and community projects. He also points out that throughout the Cariboo region little funding for the Summer Works Program has been granted. He says people have gone through the application process, including organizations that have long had summer students, and been denied. “The program is underfunded,” Simpson says. He recently met with the Quesnel Chamber of Commerce and most of the businesses represented told him their applications for Summer Works had been turned own. Harris, however, says the amount of dollars being spent on the program has not been dramatically reduced; instead, people have to look harder at the criteria when they are making their application so they can achieve a higher score. “I want to stress to all the businesses and organizations in my riding, especially the Cariboo-Chilcotin, to take the time and do it right the first time and you won’t have the disappointment.” Simpson continues to raise concerns that Bill C-38 will expedite development of significant amounts of natural resource extraction. “It erodes environmental protections and erodes the fisheries act,” he says. “If we are going to fast track the environmental assessment process it needs to be done against the backdrop of the highest standards of environmental protection, fisheries protection and best practices. What they’re doing is eroding those.” Over the long haul there will be more direct protest and more court challenges, Simpson warns. “They’re not going to get what they want as a result of doing this; they’re going to create more uncertainty and more instability.” Disagreeing, Harris argues that harmonizing the environmental review process is not a bad thing. “People on both sides will see the value of streamlining the process. The important thing is just because it will turn into a one-window program handled by the provinces, all the criteria is based on pre-agreements that led up to that one-window program. There isn’t a hoop in there that they wouldn’t have had to jump through had there been two.” Harris says the government’s intent is to make the uncertainty not as large as it has been. “Nothing sacrificed, it will just be far more efficient and transparent.” Allegations the streamlining is an attempt by the federal government to push projects like Taseko Mines Ltd’s New Prosperity mine through are absolute nonsense, Harris says. The New Prosperity mine is being assessed under the old system, not a streamlined environmental review process. “So many times when people don’t understand or take the time to understand how things work, they will rely on the rhetoric that comes from the activists to whom scientific fact, logic and substantiated evidence, and proven criteria really doesn’t matter. It’s the fact that any project has to be stopped no matter what.” Since the forest industry has gone through such hard times, it’s natural that mining, oil and gas will be the next drivers of the economy in the Cariboo Chilcotin and central interior regions, he says. He also advocates the changes to EI are to discourage use of EI in lieu of finding a job and working. “We tend to believe that Canadians that are on EI, for the very most majority, would rather be working than collecting EI. We’re going to ensure that where there are suitable jobs, and I stress the word suitable, in their locale and within a reasonable travelling time, that they’re going to be encouraged to go out and get those jobs.” Government, he says, will support people in their attempts to find employment. “I find it amazing that there have been complaints from the NDP and Liberals in the house that we’re saying people may have to travel an hour or an hour and half or two hours to go to work each day. Hello, in the urban centres people do that on a daily basis. They do that because they want to work.” Simpson says the changes to EI will negatively impact B.C.’s seasonal workers. “The bill is full of all of these cuts to different kinds of programs and is an erosion of services to the general population, particularly to our youth.” Harris will be in Williams Lake on June 30 for the opening of the stampede.

http://www.wltribune.com/news/159500265.html

#Bill C-38 #Taseko Mines Ltd.#New Prosperity Mine #Conservative MP Dick Harris #Bob Simpson

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Fighting the abuses of Canadian mining companies: Chief Marilyn Baptiste

rabble.ca - June 14, 2012

#Shout Out Against Mining Injustice #Chief Marilyn Baptiste

Taseko answers to its shareholders

Williams Lake Tribune - June 13, 2012 Editor: Herb Nakada’s recent letter to the editor suggests that the development of the New Prosperity mine is only about corporate greed and that somehow the only solution to overcome this is a new world order and global economy. I recall seeing a video of some brick layers in Russia living in that era’s utopian system of a few years back. Their brick laying was terrible, sloppy, and would not stand up in any kind of quaking. When asked, it did not matter. They got paid anyway. I do not think that there is a single wood mill operating in Williams Lake that has been started except by great personal financial risk and sacrifice. Every ranch and small and large businesses in this greater community are operated by people who often are sacrificing their all in the hopes of eventually being somewhat successful. Historically, whether it be a kid getting up at the crack of dawn to deliver papers, or a man like Henry Ford developing a system to speed up the process of manufacturing of automobiles, every person building what eventually appears to some, as a rich pyramid, started out by scraping their pennies together, to have us, as your self, pointing fingers at them as some kind of greedy piranhas in our society. Taseko Mines is not owed by one man. It is owned by a large shareholding corporation. The CEO of that corporation answers to those shareholders. And who are these shareholders, as with any successful corporation? The shareholders are you and me, as almost every mutual and pension fund invests in such corporations. The rate of return for the so-called greedy taxpaying investors in Taseko’s shares is currently less that 2.5 per cent. It is one thing to talk about changing a world order. It is another to do it. I suggest that if Mr. Nakada thinks this can be done, he should measure the support for his new world order concept by running for public office. Meanwhile in our existing world, the mine will provide employment, income, and tax-paying dollars benefiting thousands. Doug Wilson Williams Lake

http://www.wltribune.com/opinion/letters/158954075.html?c=n

#Herb Nakada #New Prosperity Mine #Doug Wilson #Taseko Mines

OPEN LETTER: Union of BC Indian Chiefs' Opposition to Bill C-38

June 12, 2012

Honourable Stephen Harper Prime Minister, Canada Langevin Block 80 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON, K1A 0A3 Via facsimile: 613- 941-6900 Honourable Joe Oliver Minister, Natural Resources Canada 580 Booth Street, 21st Floor, Room C7-1 Ottawa, ON, K1A 0E4 Via facsimile: 613-996-4516 Honourable Keith Ashfield Minister, Fisheries and Oceans 200 Kent Street Ottawa, ON, K1A 0E6 Via facsimile: 613-990-1866 OPEN LETTER: Union of BC Indian Chiefs' Opposition to Bill C-38 Dear Prime Minister Harper and Honourable Ministers, We write to urgently convey the collective and vehement opposition of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) to Bill C-38, Jobs, Growth and Long-term Prosperity Act. Enclosed, please find a copy of Resolution 2012-21 "Opposition to Bill C-38, Federal Omnibus Budget Bill", which was carried unanimously by the UBCIC Chiefs Council on May 31, 2012. UBCIC represents approximately half of the First Nations in British Columbia. We are aware that the Federal Government is actively rushing Bill C-38 through parliament, despite the expansive and atypical content for a budget bill, and that it has reached its final stages of the House of Commons. Further, we understand that the Conservatives are currently working to shut down debate on this omnibus budget bill, despite the brief time it has been scrutinized. We are extremely and gravely concerned with the content of Bill C-38 and its massive implications, including infringement on our Aboriginal Title, Rights, and Treaty Rights and weakened protections for our precious environment to the benefit of third party interests. We are also highly concerned with your government's blatant abuse of democratic process to serve its own needs, and fully object to the harshly forced imposition of your government's agenda, despite widespread concerns from a huge variety of interests. As communicated previously, we completely object to your government's questionable and underhanded tactics of including major changes to the environmental assessment process within an omnibus bill that addresses numerous issues and is being put through an expedited process that does not allow for the standard debate and checks and balances that such significant and substantive changes deserve and require. As you well know, First Nations have legal and constitutionally protected rights and responsibilities to protect our traditional territories and all that this encompasses. We also draw your attention to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, endorsed by Canada in 2010, which sets out in Article 19 that "States shall consult and cooperate in good faith with the indigenous peoples concerned through their own representative institutions in order to obtain their free, prior and informed consent before adopting and implementing legislative or administrative measures that may affect them." The Declaration also sets out the rights of Indigenous peoples with respect to their traditionally owned, occupied, or otherwise acquired lands, territories and resources, as well as their rights to the conservation and protection of the environment. Based on domestic law and international doctrine, it is imperative that fundamental changes to the environmental assessment process and other environmental protection laws include meaningful consultation with First Nations. Once again, we remind you that your government cannot legislate itself out of its duties to consult and accommodate Aboriginal Title, Rights and Treaty Rights where there is potential for infringement. By Resolution 2012-21, the UBCIC Chiefs Council strongly opposes the omnibus Bill C-38, including its erosion of environmental protections to serve the interests of industry while ignoring Aboriginal Title, Rights, and Treaty Rights, and the unilateral imposition of the proposed Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012. The UBCIC Chiefs Council calls on the Federal Government to immediately halt and abandon Bill C-38, and demands that the Federal Government work to separate the changes proposed in Bill C-38 by issue (e.g. 2012 Budget, Fisheries Act changes, Canadian Environmental Assessment Act changes, etc.) and then engage in appropriate and meaningful consultation with First Nations. We advise you that we will continue working with like-minded organizations to strongly oppose Bill C-38. We implore you to stop Bill C-38 from proceeding. On behalf of the UNION OF BC INDIAN CHIEFS [original signed] Grand Chief Stewart Phillip President Chief Robert Chamberlin Vice-President Chief Marilyn Baptiste Secretary-Treasurer CC: Members of Parliament, Canada Premier Christy Clark National Chief Atleo, AFN First Nations Summit BC Assembly of First Nations First Nations Energy and Mining Council First Nations Fisheries Council First Nations in BC West Coast Environmental Law Canada Parks and Wilderness David Suzuki Foundation Ecojustice Environmental Defence Équiterre Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment Greenpeace Nature Canada The Pembina Institute Sierra Club Canada World Wildlife Fund ==================== Full pdf copy of letter and enclosures: http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/files/PDF/2012June12_UBCICtoCanada_OppositionC-38.pdf

Read more: http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/News_Releases/UBCICNews06121201.html#ixzz1yJFgJOn7

#Stephen Harper #Joe Oliver #Keith Ashfield #UBCIC #Bill C-38 #Grand Chief Stewart Phillip #Chief Robert Chamberlin #Chief Marilyn Baptiste

Williams Lake Tribune - June 11, 2012 Former Tsi Del Del (Redstone) chief Ervin Charleyboy wants to know where young people are coming from and how they see things. Speaking at the opening of the First Nations Youth Opportunity Fair held at Thompson Rivers University Williams Lake campus on June 7, Charleyboy said he organized the fair for local high school students because he wants them to see what economic opportunities are out there. “Some day you young people will be adults supporting your own families,” Charleyboy said. “I’m looking at 20 to 30 years down the road and wonder where you’re going to be. I read about protests and I think they’re not going to get you anywhere. I think with protests people are reacting to what the government is doing instead of being proactive. We have to be proactive in how we see things done in this country.” Charleyboy, however, also encouraged the students to speak out and let their leaders know what they are thinking. “If you hold back, it’s not going to get you anywhere. I’m not afraid to speak up and stand up for what I believe,” he said. Around 40 students from Columneetza and Williams Lake high schools participated in the fair. Before interacting with the students informally at tables set around the gym, representatives from Aqua Drilling, Beamac Installations, Brandt Tractor, Cariboo GM, D&S Electric, O-Netrix Solutions, Spruce Lee Construction, and Taseko Mines Ltd. addressed the students, explaining the nature of their businesses. “Our youth is probably one of the most important assets we have in this town,” Beamac manager Mark Nairn said. Nairn shared his own experiences, including the fact he “barely squeaked” through high school, hated the experience and hated being there. It was his father who pushed him hard and told him he had to be there and go on to do something with his life — go to school or take up a trade. “Out of a class of 300 people I was the only one or two that took up trades, but once I got into school and started seeing the opportunities, I did really well and was actually at the top of my class.” Taseko’s vice president of corporate affairs Brian Battison talked about the expansion of Gibraltar Mine and the resulting 270 construction jobs added to the existing 500 that are already there. “We need young people to come and work for Taseko Mines and we particularly need people from local communities. I’m talking generally about the western communities, out west,” Battison said, adding hopefully some of those jobs will be taken by some of the students sitting in the bleachers. Looking around with a smile, Hank Unrau of Aqua Drilling said he was definitely the oldest worker in the room.

His company is comprised of four workers, but as the economy picks up he anticipates the company will need more. “I’ve been working in the Cariboo for 61 years and it’s always kept me employed. I found at a very young age, with minimal education, your number one asset is your reputation. You must earn a reputation of being a reliable and conscientious employee. Once you’ve done that, you’ll always have a job. Plan on it,” Unrau told the students. At his table, Brad Thiessen of Spruce Lee Construction shared building plans with students. The first group at his table were five girls and he told them when he was in the construction program at TRU, half of the students in his class were women. “We always need new faces on our job sites because young people always bring new enthusiasm and ideas to our work sites. We have 20 workers — 10 of those are journeymen carpenters and the rest are apprentices or labourers.” Lorne Doerkson of Cariboo GM brought along a 2006 Denali truck for students to see first hand and many of them took turns sitting inside. “About a week ago we hired a young lady by the name of June Lulua to help us to communicate with a totally different buyer. Buyers used to come into our showroom and talk to us about cars. They come in now and are extremely educated and telling us the price of a vehicle, not us telling them.” Sometimes customers have looked at the dealership’s website at 2 a.m. and applied for a credit application, which means business is changing, Doerkson added. John Kloosterman, parts manager of Brandt Tractor, encouraged the students to stick with a positive attitude. “There is opportunity out there. You need to go after it because it doesn’t come to you. If you’re hanging around people that are negative, maybe you should find some new friends.” Apprenticeships take three to five years, Kloosterman said, suggesting that time will go by, so it’s worthwhile spending time doing something that’s rewarding. Rick Bell of O-Netrix explained his company supports industry from the carpet up. “We’re the people that come in behind and support the people that do everything else. There are lots of career opportunities because technology is everywhere these days,” Bell said. Don Erikson of D&S Electric told the students the people that trained him are getting on in years and he’s determined its his turn to train young people. “If you have any questions I’m here to try and help you figure out how to get into the trades and start your future,” he said. As he watched the students interact with the various industry people, Charleyboy looked content. “It’s a good start,” he said, adding he’s hoping to form an aboriginal youth council.

http://www.wltribune.com/news/158479805.html

#Ervin Charleyboy #Redstone #Tsi Del Del #First Nations Youth Opportunity Fair #Taseko Mines #Brian Battison

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