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Mount Currie Indian Reserve, St'at'imc Territory - What was supposed to be an assembly to discuss Lilwatool participation in or rejection of the Vancouver Whistler Olympic Bid, turned into a humiliation of the Lilwatool people and disrespect of their traditional laws and customs. More than 60 Lilwatool people followed the invitation of the Mount Currie Band Council and patiently listened to a presentation regarding the Olympic bid. About 25 people then got up and spoke, 23 of which openly opposed the Olympic bid, but some still called for the question to be brought before the people, so they collectively could take a free and informed decision. This proceeding is according to traditional St'at'imc law and custom, where you try to come up with a consensus. The St'at'imc people collectively hold Aboriginal Title to their traditional territories, including Whistler, applying for the 2010 Olympic games. The Lilwatool people, who are part of the St'at'imc nation, reminded the band council that important decisions regarding the land, such as the Olympic Games which would have a huge impact on their territories, had to be taken collectively. Many also asked for a special vote of the Lilwatool people, as had occurred in other matters, like support for the Sutikalh Camp (83% opposed the construction of Cayoosh Creek Ski Resort).

Instead of respecting the wishes of their elders and seeking consensus and an open decision, the Mount Currie Band Council moved ahead with a simple vote in their own ranks, relying on authority from the paternalistic Indian Act. 10 out of 11 councilors voted in favor of the Olympic Bid and openly against the wishes of the people present, the great majority of which opposed the Olympic bid and still had asked for a vote of all people. The present council has thereby exposed itself as being blatantly out of touch with their own people and has made the Olympic bid into the key issue of their upcoming band council elections (nominations Mid-December, election: Mid-January). Instead of letting their people take a free and informed decision, their positions will now be questioned in the course of the elections.

The Sixth Conference of the Parties of the Convention has also recognized free prior informed consent of indigenous peoples to any developments in our traditional territories internationally on Biological Diversity. Sutikalh and Skwelkwek'welt Protection Center have filed an official complaint with the International Olympic Committee outlining how the construction of ski resorts and the Olympic bid without their consent violate their human and indigenous rights.

For more information please contact: Rosalin Sam, Telephone: 604-894 2400.