Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
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Skwelkwekwelt, Secwepemculecw, February 13, 2002 - Secwepemc Elders, Land-users, and Youth were absolutely shocked to learn of Minister Nault’s game plan to abandon the Independent Claims Body agreement initially agreed to by the Assembly of First Nations and Department of Indian Affairs.

The Lakes Secwepemc are owners of the 1862 Neskonlith Douglas reserve, which would come under the Independent Claims Body. Minister Nault is offering us money and not land for our reserve, which is over one million acres.

We absolutely will not accept beads and trinkets in exchange for the legacy left by our great Chief Neskonlith. We will continue to assert ourselves by living on our traditional territories and lands within our Neskonlith Douglas Reserve. We have already established four homesites in the Skwelkwekwelt area which were consequently destroyed by the Province of B.C. and Sun Peaks Corporation. We are now living in our 5th home in Skwelkwekwelt.

Minister Nault’s plan to avoid creating a genuine Independent Claims Body is severely affecting the local economy. All people will benefit by a fair, just, and honorable settlement to our outstanding land issues.

Recent court cases such as the Taku River case has forced the Provincial Government to seek a new path in dealing with Aboriginal Rights. This also must apply to the Federal Government, if they indeed respect their highest court.

We will continue to inform the public in Canada, United States, and the international community of the atrocious and genocidal actions of the Canadian and British Columbia governments. Our message is being heard throughout the world and we are receiving a tremendous amount of support. In particular, the Delta Hotel boycott initiated by AFN is receiving a wide base of support, including the BC Teachers Federation.