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Every Stick, Stump and Tree Within the ‘So-Called Working Forest’ is Subject to First Nations’ Unextinguished Aboriginal Title Interests!

Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver, January 24, 2003 - “Not so fast Stan! Be advised that every stick, stump and tree within your so-called Working Forest legislative proposal is fully subject to First Nations’ unextinguished Aboriginal title interests,” stated Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs president Chief Stewart Phillip.

“Clearly, the Provincial Government has a legally enforceable duty to consult with First Nations people whenever their Aboriginal Title interests will be affected by any Crown decision concerning the allocation of land and resources within their respective traditional territories.”

“Obviously, the sweeping allocation of some 45 MILLION acres of forest lands to corporate third-party interests is going to impact many, many First Nations’ Aboriginal Title interests” said Chief Phillip.

“Court decision after court decision has clearly affirmed and supported First Nations’ Aboriginal Right to fair and equitable access to natural resources within our respective traditional territories. Rather than honoring these Court decisions, the Provincial government continues to pander to their corporate cronies,” concluded Chief Stewart Phillip, President UBCIC Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs.