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MTTC Tribal Council Reaffirms Opposition
"To Fish-Farms Within Their Territories"

Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council News
NAIIP News Path ~ Friday, February 1, 2002

Copyright © 2002 MTTC
All Rights Reserved


The Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council reaffirms its vehement opposition to fish-farms within their territories. The MTTC is located on northern Vancouver Island and adjacent mainland including the Broughton Archipelago which currently has 26 fish-farms situated within in. Despite the fact that 25 of the 26 fish-farms are sited in ecological sensitive areas and that the First Nations of this area do not want them to remain here, industry again wins out.

"Until the provincial government can prove to us that there is no environmental damage to our territories, we will remain opposed to fish-farms." States Chief William Cramner Chariman of the MTTC. "We are the steward of our territories which belong to our children and their children. These waters and the environment within it are far more important than the profit line of major industry and are certainly far more important than the promised political contribution for future elections. These waters, land and environment are for the enjoyment of the children of today and those yet to be born. It is not our right to devastate this pristine area in the same manner as has Scotland and the east coast of Canada."

Minister van Dongen claimed to have had his ministry review scientific studies despite the fact that every request for a scientific study has been ignored by the Minister. "The provincial government cannot show us any scientific studies showing that fish-farms are safe for our territories because none have been carried out." Chief Cranmer points out, "Minister van Dongen claims to have had his ministry review scientific studies despite the fact that every request to have an independent scientific study carried out has been ignored by his ministry."

"The provincial government can rest assured that the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal council will not permit the siting of one more fish-farm within our territories." Chief Cranmer contended. "The Musgamagw people remain committed to ensuring the total removal of all fish-farms from our territories."


For more information contact:

Chief William Cranmer, Chairman
Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council
Alert Bay, B.C.
Phone: 250-974-8460 OR 250-974-5516


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