Ski resort in limbo despite some community support

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The First Nations of the Interior Alliance and Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs are offering differing opinions than some of their community members regarding the proposed $500 million Cayoosh ski resort to be built on unceded Native territory. Some members are wondering why the leaders would oppose a development that could benefit the community directly.

On Aug. 14, the government signed a provincial environmental certificate of approval for the ski resort proposed by developers Nancy Green Raine and Al Raine. The First Nations responded by blockading Duffy Lake Road, near Pemberton, which is north of the proposed site of development.

"Right now there is kind of a lull in the storm. We have been having the odd information checkpoint where we distribute material to passing public on Highway 99," said Chief Garry John of the Seton Lake Indian Band. "We have a petition that they can sign and we try to minimize the delay has much as possible."

The First Nations still have a camp set up in the area to ensure that any development does not take place until the dispute resolved.

"We have from a dozen to two people staying up there at a time," said John. "We have been working on having some discussions with the provincial government about the process that they used. And the fact that the tribe or Nation does not want the ski resort in the middle of our territory."

John is aware that there are some band members who are in agreement with the development. He explained that since the majority are in disagreement with it, then majority rules.

"I really believe the development would be good and I think there are a lot of other people who do too, but they are scared to speak out," said Russel Adolph of the Fountain First Nation. "A lot of people depend on funding from their reserve and if they speak out they would be cut from funding, plus their relatives and children would be cut from funding too. So they are kind of in a position not to be outspoken."

Al Raine is making efforts to open dialogue to all members of communities to help them be fully informed about the development before making a decision whether to support it or not.

"I'm not trying to put a wedge between families or people or those for or those against," said Raine. "The communities all need to understand what the opportunities are. The people and the kids in high school need to understand what is going to happen, what kind of jobs are available and what kinds of training has to take place. That training can take place prior to the resort opening."

John explained that the First Nations never surrendered or extinguished title to the traditional land and said the destruction of the habitat is a major concern.

"If we get into court on that question that will be the question to deal with," said John.

The Delgamuuk Supreme Court decision affirmed Aboriginal title to traditional territory and that decision would be used in the case if the First Nations choose to litigate.

"We've had promises made to us in the past with the inception of BC Hydro into the territory, there were promises made," said John. "BC Rail runs right through our territory and we've seen land alienated for a variety of purposes, fish habitat, wildlife habitat and entire runs of salmon destroyed for the sake of progress. And we have been told, given assurances that we were going to benefit somehow and we have yet to benefit. We see hundreds of logging trucks full of wood leaving our territory on a daily basis and there is no benefit coming to the communities."

Peter Leach of the Lillooet First Nation is in adamant support of the resort and is working on opening up communication between the First Nations and Al Raine.

"I'm kind of being the middle man in making sure the deal goes through," said Leach. "Because it is a good deal if it is done right. I'm just getting my people in a place right now where they are starting to come around in support of the deal."

Leach feels that the dea is about what is good for the people of the First Nations and it's not just about the benefit of Al and Nancy Raine or the investors.

"To me what this is all about is jobs, period, and that is it," said Leach. "We just found out that there is another company that just put in a proposal to develop in the same area, to develop a ski resort."

The company is based out of Aspen, Colorado and it has Leach concerned because they put in a proposal and the First Nations have not heard from the company at all, explained Leach.

"It concerns me because this group is going to go through without us period, and if that happened it would be a headache," said Leach. "Because our people would keep the protests going on. But our leaders have a responsibility to provide opportunities, and I ask them what do they have to offer their people."

Raine explained that he is willing to enter a partnership that would see the First Nations benefit.

"I'm willing to discuss the benefits for all of us and I understand that they would have difficulty trusting because of past experiences," said Raine. "They do have a responsibility to provide employment and a future."

"Everybody wants to talk to us in terms of the economic disparity and the plight of our people and 'why don't you use this as an opportunity' and what I have responded with is why do we have to start here," said John. "What about the timber that is leaving our territory today and what about the water that is being used for hydro electric development? What about the land that is being used for BC rail? What about the lands that were taken and the province of British Columbia and Canada are collecting tax revenues off of? Why don't we get a share of those now instead of pinning all of our hopes on a resort?"