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Neskonlith Indian Band, May 22, 2003 - Beverly Manuel of the Neskonlith Indian Band and mother of Amanda Soper (Kanahus Pellkey) had obstruction charges against her dismissed. The obstruction charge was related to the effort of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to arrest Amanda Soper, who was alleged to be in Beverly Manuel s vehicle. Amanda Soper at that time had outstanding warrants for her arrest respecting her participation in demonstrations to stop the expansion of Sun Peaks Resort. The judge ruled that there was no vivid evidence that showed Beverly Manuel obstructed the RCMP in their police efforts to arrest Amanda Soper.

Janice Billy, Spokesperson, Skwelkwek welt Protection Center said I am delighted that the obstruction charges against Beverly Manuel were dismissed . Janice Billy said we are still struggling to stop the expansion of Sun Peaks from 5,000 to 24,000 bed units . She said we have been picked on by the authorities with numerous charges and it is good that we can from time-to-time get justice in the courts .

Amanda Soper who has since dealt with her outstanding warrants said I am glad my mother had these charges dismissed because I was not in her vehicle at that time . She said my twin sister was in the truck . Amanda Soper said that the reason I had outstanding Warrants for my arrest was because I was unnerved by a violent demonstration that occurred at Sun Peaks, between the RCMP and the NYM on November 16, 2001.

Arthur Manuel, former chief of the Neskonlith Indian Band, said that I am glad that Mr. Rodolfo Stavenhagen, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of the Indigenous People went to Sun Peaks and visited the Skwelkwek welt Protection Center on May 2, 2003 . Mr. Manuel said I am disappointed however that the local media did not cover his visit . He said the local media systematically boosts the image of Sun Peaks and undermines any serious efforts to resolve this conflict fairly . He said that is why international observation like that of Mr. Stavenhagen is so important .

Arthur Manuel said Mr. Stavenhagen is planning on coming back to Canada next year . Mr. Manuel said the struggle to stop Sun Peaks expansion is not over until it is stopped .