First Nations Fear they will Face Aggression if Forced to Defend Their Lands

WILLIAMS LAKE, BC, Sept. 8 /CNW/ - First Nations will be forced to defend Tsilhqot'in rights, lands and waters in BC if the federal government fails to do its duty and stop the proposed Prosperity mine. BC's junior Minister of Mines, Randy Hawes, has been quoted to say that "no society will tolerate threats of violence." Chief Percy Guichon of Tsi Deldel has said, "What is not acceptable to Canadian society today is the destruction of a traditional and cultural way of life for the sake of profits." "We are facing similar treatment by the government and by Taseko Mines Ltd. as indigenous groups in underdeveloped countries," said Chief Ivor D. Myers of Yunesit'in.

In recent days there has been much effort to twist a comment expressed at the CEAA Panel hearings by an elder of the Xeni Gwet'in community who gave vent to her frustration by saying she would show up in her wheelchair with a shotgun if necessary to stop the mine from proceeding. The leaders of the Tsilhqot'in have listened to their community members testify with tears that they are against this mine and will defend their sacred lake.

"If anyone has reason to fear aggression it is our people," said Chief Marilyn Baptiste of Xeni Gwet'in First Nations Government. "It is the BC Government and Taseko Mines Ltd. that are threatening our livelihood, health, environment and our culture. We are merely standing up for ourselves."

Chief Baptiste stressed that all First Nations are still hoping that the federal government will do what the law and its duties and responsibilities require it to do - honour the CEAA findings and reject this mine.

"We are fortunate to have the backing of BC and national First Nations leaders, to take a stand to stop the mine from proceeding," said Chief Baptiste.

In an ideal world the company would refrain from trying to move ahead with destructive work until the TNG's two ongoing BC Supreme Court cases are decided.  However, in response to questions from investment analysts on a July 6 conference call, the company stated that once it obtained all its government permits, any issues re First Nations title and rights would be "the government's problem" not the company's.  

"Given the lengths to which both the province and the company have gone to promote this mine and to minimize the objections of our First Nations, the environmental community and the CEAA review panel, we dread to think what they will do to force their way onto our land should the federal government give them the green light to do so," said Chief Baptiste.

To view a video of our lake, visit:  http://www.raventrust.com/projects/fishlaketeztanbiny/video-bluegold.html

For further information:

Media Inquiries:   Percy Guichon, Chief- Tsi Deldel: [phone] or [phone]