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Vancouver, Coast Salish Territory - "I am gravely concern about the safety of the Elders, youth and land-users of Skwelkwek'welt now that discussions has been scrapped by the Province." Chief Stewart Phillip went on to explain, "With recent media reports quoting the operator of a snowmobile tour company as saying "Government won't do anything. We have to pack protection or concede territory. We're not going to concede. It is abundantly clear the potential of a violent confrontation is increasing. Wild West vigilante threats will not solve anything and would in fact ignite an already explosive situation."

Chief Phillip commented that the nature of the initial discussions between Chief Arthur Manuel and Attorney General Geoff Plant was meant to be exploratory in nature of a sustained process where the unresolved Aboriginal Title and of the Douglas Reserve specific claim were to be discussed.

Unfortunately, the Attorney General stated that, both the Skwelkwek'welt Protection Centre and the McGillivary Lake camps must be removed first before discussions could proceed citing that 'the members of the public feel that their safety is threatened.' This pre-condition to the discussions does not consider the sustained level of racism felt not only the Secwepemc People but of any Indian who has traveled in the region. Yes there is an issue of safety but it is an issue more urgently pressing for the Secwepemc People than it is for a snowmobile operator.

Commenting further, Chief Phillip stated, "It is widely agreed that the Government of Canada has to be involved in the resolution of this dispute. Minister Robert Nault cannot pretend to be an innocent party for he is responsible to ensure Canada's fiduciary and constitutional responsibilities to all First Nations. This is an occasion where Minister Nault can show some initiative and acknowledge his responsibilities by getting involved. All parties have expressed openness to further discussions pending a change in circumstances. Such a change would have to involve the Government of Canada.

Chief Phillip concluded, "The denial of any obligation to its fiduciary and constitutional obligations Minister Nault's department is adding to a situation of escalating tensions.