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Cheam Band Officials And Membership Battle DFO Officers And RCMP Officers On The Banks Of The Fraser River

Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver - Earlier this morning, May 13, 2003, Sidney Douglas, Head Band Councilor of the Cheam Indian Band, was violently accosted by Department of Fisheries (DFO) officers while operating a band-owned grader near the Fraser River. Head Councilor Douglas was beaten, pepper sprayed and handcuffed.

RCMP officers are now attending the scene in growing numbers.

Simultaneously, Cheam Band members are massing at the site. The Cheam has issued a call for support to the Bands in the immediate area. Cheam Band has also notified Canadian National Railway to curtail rail traffic until the incident is fully resolved.

Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs stated, "I am outraged at the brutal, heavy-handed tactics of both the DFO and the RCMP personnel involved in this incident. Such senseless and provocative actions shall only serve to escalate an already volatile situation."

The Union of BC Indian Chiefs offers its full and unconditional support to the Band Council and to the People of the Cheam Indian Band.

[The Cheam Indian Band is located on the north shore of Cheam Lake; covers 502 hectares and services two reserves. The name Cheam means "wild strawberry place." The reserve is home to 154 aboriginals with another 141 living off the reserve.]