Post by WebsiteAdmin on Dec 11, 2012 12:32:06 GMT -5
More than 200 people packed the Williams Lake City Council Chambers on Tuesday evening as a delegation from the Tsilhqot'in National Government (TNG) Chiefs spoke about the New Prosperity Mine Project at Fish Lake.
Chief Ann Louie of the Williams Lake Indian Band said, "It is an honor to be here to witness this celebration. I know it has been a long hard fight for the TNG who are protecting their aboriginal rights, as well as the rights of many others.
Mining is an issue not only here, but in many other countries. Aboriginal rights and title is something that all First nations continually fight for. I have said repeatedly to those who have come to our table to discuss mining that money is not everything. This is what the companies see, the almighty dollar, however the land and the water are our livelihood. And no one can survive without these two. Therefore, whenever First Nations stand up to large corporations, they're not only fighting for their rights, but rights for all who reside in those areas. The protection of fish and wildlife are paramount to us. We do not live in the actual mine area site however the potential for our people to be impacted by this development will be huge.
I understand there is an economic need. There must be a proper balance when those developments are proposed. There must be proper consultation with the First Nations people whose lands those are."
Marilyn Baptiste, Chief of the Xeni Gwet'in First Nation:
"The Xeni Gwet'in position has not changed with respect to the New Prosperity Project, as everyone is aware.
We come here today because we have not been consulted respectfully by City Council in the last process. We have met recently, but that was only after the City had set forth a motion to support New Prosperity, and we do not feel that was a respectful process.
The federal government's recent findings, the environmental impact statement deficiencies -- as everyone has heard and read in the media -- does not support your motion.
One of the things we would like to ask is that City Council not present before the upcoming panel -- if there should even be a panel hearing. The other option, perhaps, only to support what the Tsilhqot'in Nation supports.
Our people are here with honor, defending our land as we always have done in the past and always will. Our way of life depends on this land, on our water and our wildlife."
Tsilhqot'in First Nation Chief Joe Alphonse:
"The biggest statement I think I can make today is that I don't have to convince my people, I'm only here bringing a message they want me to bring forward.
Our country, we often think that fire is a powerful energy, but in our world, water is the most powerful. It heals, it gives life to the land that we depend on and we have to be respectful of that.
I don't look down on the Mayor or Council for wanting more jobs, more economy in the city of Williams Lake -- we would like that, too.
One project that you say no to because that company chooses not to work with you in an honourable way and you're billed 'anti-industry' ... I don't think so. The most hurtful thing, I believe, as a community, that came out of the last go-round was the divide in the relationship. Now, I believe we have to rebuild the relationship because that has to happen to move forward.
And now, we have round-two. The first time in Canada that this has ever happened. Right now, they (Taseko Mines Ltd.) have been turned down. They haven't got the environmental regulations. We didn't do anything to slow that down, and it's not the first time this has happened to that company."
The Mayor thanked the group for attending, acknowledged that there is a lot of work to do, but that Council is committed to developing strong, respectful working relationships.
The TNG drummers lead the group out of Council Chambers, after nearly half an hour. The drumming and singing continued in the lobby of City Hall as the regular City Council meeting got underway.
Chief Ann Louie of the Williams Lake Indian Band said, "It is an honor to be here to witness this celebration. I know it has been a long hard fight for the TNG who are protecting their aboriginal rights, as well as the rights of many others.
Mining is an issue not only here, but in many other countries. Aboriginal rights and title is something that all First nations continually fight for. I have said repeatedly to those who have come to our table to discuss mining that money is not everything. This is what the companies see, the almighty dollar, however the land and the water are our livelihood. And no one can survive without these two. Therefore, whenever First Nations stand up to large corporations, they're not only fighting for their rights, but rights for all who reside in those areas. The protection of fish and wildlife are paramount to us. We do not live in the actual mine area site however the potential for our people to be impacted by this development will be huge.
I understand there is an economic need. There must be a proper balance when those developments are proposed. There must be proper consultation with the First Nations people whose lands those are."
Marilyn Baptiste, Chief of the Xeni Gwet'in First Nation:
"The Xeni Gwet'in position has not changed with respect to the New Prosperity Project, as everyone is aware.
We come here today because we have not been consulted respectfully by City Council in the last process. We have met recently, but that was only after the City had set forth a motion to support New Prosperity, and we do not feel that was a respectful process.
The federal government's recent findings, the environmental impact statement deficiencies -- as everyone has heard and read in the media -- does not support your motion.
One of the things we would like to ask is that City Council not present before the upcoming panel -- if there should even be a panel hearing. The other option, perhaps, only to support what the Tsilhqot'in Nation supports.
Our people are here with honor, defending our land as we always have done in the past and always will. Our way of life depends on this land, on our water and our wildlife."
Tsilhqot'in First Nation Chief Joe Alphonse:
"The biggest statement I think I can make today is that I don't have to convince my people, I'm only here bringing a message they want me to bring forward.
Our country, we often think that fire is a powerful energy, but in our world, water is the most powerful. It heals, it gives life to the land that we depend on and we have to be respectful of that.
I don't look down on the Mayor or Council for wanting more jobs, more economy in the city of Williams Lake -- we would like that, too.
One project that you say no to because that company chooses not to work with you in an honourable way and you're billed 'anti-industry' ... I don't think so. The most hurtful thing, I believe, as a community, that came out of the last go-round was the divide in the relationship. Now, I believe we have to rebuild the relationship because that has to happen to move forward.
And now, we have round-two. The first time in Canada that this has ever happened. Right now, they (Taseko Mines Ltd.) have been turned down. They haven't got the environmental regulations. We didn't do anything to slow that down, and it's not the first time this has happened to that company."
The Mayor thanked the group for attending, acknowledged that there is a lot of work to do, but that Council is committed to developing strong, respectful working relationships.
The TNG drummers lead the group out of Council Chambers, after nearly half an hour. The drumming and singing continued in the lobby of City Hall as the regular City Council meeting got underway.