Land and resource rights unite

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KELOWNA-The Okanagan Nation Alliance and supporters have thrown an olive branch to the provincial government to smooth the way for negotiations over forestry and land use issues. At the same time, the organizations have made it clear that First Nations will not be left out of decisions affecting prime resources on their lands.

Chief George Saddleman, chair of the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA), was unequivocal: "We seek reconciliation with the provincial Crown, but it is time for First Nations to take our rightful place in decision-making about forestry and land use in our territories.

A joint strategy meeting was convened in Kelowna by the ONA in mid-September for the purpose of cementing support and a united response among First Nations dealing with new provincial forestry laws and initiatives. Other participants in the first of several meetings planned included the Northwest Tribal Treaty Nations and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs.

They agreed to use their combined legal, financial and political clout to protect land and resources and to implement their Aboriginal title and treaty rights.

The collaboration comes in the face of imminent provincial amendments to the Forestry Act and range use laws that will restrict First Nations' access to tenure and revenue-sharing and that infringe or negate Aboriginal title and treaty rights.

"The Kelowna meeting should be a wake-up call," said Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs. "Only the Indian people of B.C. can provide the certainty that the provincial Crown and resource industries need. Until proper accommodation occurs, neither businesses nor their investors will have the certainty they need."