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Interior Alliance Leader Scoffs at "Military Training" Charge - Accuses the RCMP of playing a cynical and dangerous game.

Kamloops, Secwepemc Territory - Interior Alliance leader Chief Arthur Manuel released a statement, on Wednesday, August 8, 2001, scoffing at rumors that his organization is "giving military training" to Native youth in the Interior as part of the land conflict at Skelkwek'welt (Sun Peaks). (Sun Peaks is a developing ski resort, on a traditional mountain, J.B.) A Vancouver journalist has informed Chief Manuel that the rumors had come from a leaked RCMP report.

"Our People have two camps as Skwelkwek'welt and both camps include Elders, land-users and Youth and they are non-violent community based. The only training we have ever accepted is from the Quakers- and that was in non-violent protest."

"The disturbing fact is that these lies are being planted by the RCMP. We have complained about their behavior in the past and I fear that this is a cynical attempt on their part to justify a violent response to a peaceful protest. Our commitment is to non-violence and the RCMP know it." "When Canadians see this type of out-of -control provocation by the RCMP," Chief Manuel added, "they should be very concerned. These are police state tactics."

Chief Manuel's statement comes as he is preparing to leave for Colombia for a two-week tour as part of a Canadian peace delegation. He will be travelling to a country that is basically in a state of civil war and risk his life and security to lend much needed support to indigenous communities who call for peaceful, non-military solution to conflict.

"This is how committed we are to peace. Our struggle is non-violent and we fully support peace and reconciliation initiatives on the national and international level", stated Chief Arthur Manuel.