Statimc chiefs council pic

statimc territory picST’ÁT’IMC CHIEFS COUNCIL

POST OFFICE BOX 1420
LILLOOET, BC VOK IVO
250) 256-7523 FAX: (250) 256-7119


PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 27, 2005

Sttimc Prepare For Another Round With the Province Of British Columbia

(Coast Salish Territory, Vancouver, British Columbia) The Sttimc Chiefs Council has reaffirmed its strong opposition to the proposed Cayoosh Resort development. The council recently learned and discussed an application for an extension of an Environmental Assessment Act certificate and determined they would inform the Province of British Columbia that the proponent, Al Raine of NGR Resort Consultants, has no tenure in their territory.

The certificate was originally issued in August 2000 to develop a 500 million dollar four-season, 14,000-unit mountain tourism resort in Melvin Creek Watershed, located between Pemberton and Lillooet. The certificate is to expire August 14, 2005. To-date, there has been no development in this area.

Chief Garry John, Sttimc Chiefs Council chair and spokesperson recalled what happened almost five years ago, What followed was a series of protests that took place here in British Columbia and at various points across Canada and around the world. The province has already been told that this will happen again, if they think that it is a small matter to grant an extension to the certificate.

Chief John stated, Al Raine told one of our chiefs that if he were not successful in receiving our support for the project that he would withdraw his application and walk away. Not only was he informed but the provincial government was informed by a letter signed by 11 Sttimc Chiefs in 2000 that states very clearly that Al Raine does not have our support for this project.

The Declaration of the Lillooet Tribe (May 10, 1911) reads very clearly We are the rightful owners of our territory and everything pertaining thereto, at no time have we ever deserted it or left it to others.

The Sttimc Chiefs Council wants to make it very clear to the Province of British Columbia, and the developer Al Raine, that the Sttimc will interpret any extension for the environmental certificate as a challenge declared Chief John.

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For further information

Chief Garry John

Cell (604) 868-8560 or (250) 259-8227 (250) 256-7523

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