Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Secwepemc Territory - After making numerous arrests of Indigenous Elders, youths and land-users over the past year for the crime of occupying their Aboriginal Title lands in Secwepemc Territory, the Province of British Columbia appears ready to make the final push to drive the Secwepemc people back onto the tiny portion of the reserves that were allotted in the late 1800s.

That intention was made clear in the Trespass Notice delivered to the Skwelkwek'welt Protection Centre on Wednesday, October 17th. The Notice orders Secwepemc Elders, youth and land-users to "give up Crown Land;" and "remove all improvements, goods, chattels and other materials" from the interdicted portion of their Traditional Territory. The Notice also warns that if they are not removed by a Wednesday, October 24th deadline, the authorities will move against the people and their property.

The response of the People of Neskonlith, Adams Lake and supporters of Aboriginal Title, and the fundamental human right of Indigenous People to their unsurrendered Aboriginal Title land, will be made at a press conference in Vancouver on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2001, at 10:00 a.m.

Present at the Press Conference will be:

• Chief Arthur Manuel, Chief of the Neskonlith Band Chief and Chairman of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council
• Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs
• Skwelkwek'welt Protection Centre (Neskonlith and Adams Lake Elders and community members)
• Native Youth Movement

Brief statements outlining the course of action of the Secwepemc People will be followed by an open question period for members of the press.

For Press Conference enquiries and background materials, please contact Don Bain by phone: 604-684-0231 or by e-mail.