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Brown’s Creek logging dispute in discussion for “peaceful resolution”

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 | 12:59 pm

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Chief Fabian Alexis, Dan Wilson and Grand Chief Phillip Stewart at the blockade of Browns Creek (File photo).

By Marshall Jones

It appears as if a resolution to a logging dispute between Tolko Forest Industries and Okanagan First Nations may be solved by the provincial government.

In a media release issued today, chiefs of various bands expressed some hope that recent discussions with the province will lead to a “peaceful resolution” to the issue. Representatives of the Okanagan Nation Alliance, Okanagan Indian Band, Penticton Indian Band and Upper Nicola Band met with the deputy minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation (MARR) and Ministry of Environment on Friday.

“The province has made it clear that they were also concerned about the water issue not only for the Okanagan Indian Band but the Okanagan Valley in general so that demonstrates one aspect on which we have a common concern,” said Okanagan Nation Alliance Grand chief Stewart Phillip.

It’s the first sign of progress since native protesters blocked access by Tolko, which had planned to log its Timber Forest Licence as granted by the province. First Nations say the area has cultural significance and could impact the watershed which—among many sources—supplies its drinking water. Tolko was expecting to harvest the timber in the winter and without it, closed one of its mills for a week.

“This was a good preliminary discussion,” declared Grand Chief Phillip. “The province now seems to be taking the matter seriously and that greatly increased the chances of this matter being peacefully resolved.”

He said the province shared its concern over drinking water and agreed to face to face meetings also involving the Ministry of Forests and perhaps the federal government.

“The one key issue that was identified was the need to ensure that Tolko does not resume logging in the Brown’s Creek area after spring breakup,” Phillip said. “How the province would ensure this does not happen is a question that twas left unanswered but it is one that is central to de-escalating and ultimately resolving this issue.”
Band members are also hopeful a court case scheduled for April 9 will help decide the issue and accused the province of trying to log the area in advance of the decision.
“The Brown’s creek watershed has been heavily over logged in the past and the Ministry of Forests has to date seemed intent on stripping the land of its assets including areas that are sacred to the Okanagan Nation. This despite or perhaps even because of the fact title to these lands could very well revert back to the Okanagan Nation if the case is successful,” said OIB chief Fabian Alexis.
“If the province’s efforts are genuine, and at this point I think they are, then there is an excellent chance of this matter being resolved such that all parties are satisfied and the Brown’s Creek watershed and the drinking water it supplies are finally properly protected,” said Phillip.

A spokesperson for the province was not immediately available.

marshall@kelowna.com

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2 Responses to “Brown’s Creek logging dispute in discussion for “peaceful resolution””

  1. Nkwala says:
    March 23, 2010 at 8:34 pm
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    Very plain and simple, show me the “bill of sale” for that land, that the suk-anakan people actually sold to the province, Tolko or anyone else, it does not exist, Tolko your welcome has expired, move to greener pastures, B.C. you only have presumed jurisdiction, get off you high horse, you have NO jurisdiction over Okanagan tim-ho-lough, now and forever. I have spoken……

  2. joe says:
    March 24, 2010 at 10:32 am
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    this disput is interesting. First the band wanted the right to log the area. They did not get it. Then they said it had cultural signifigance. There was found to be none. then they said it would effect their water if it was logged. That was found to be false. What is next, just change the cause and go back to court. The only way the first nations agree with a court ruling is if it is in their favour otherwise they do not reconize the court. What happened to one law for all? What a crock.

    Please continue discussion on the forum: link

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