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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 06, 2012
Pedestrian struck by vehicle OK
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VOL. 82. No. 96
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B.C. GRAND CHIEF SPEAKS TO COUNCIL
A 16-year-old female pedestrian was examined for non-life threatening injuries at Cariboo Memorial Hospital after being struck by a vehicle while walking across the crosswalk at Third Avenue North and Cameron Street in Williams Lake around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning, Dec. 4. RCMP attended the scene and said a follow-up investigation determined that an adult male driver, who was starting from a stopped position at a stop sign on Cameron Street, turned onto Third Avenue and struck the female pedestrian in the crosswalk. The male driver has been charged under the Motor Vehicle Act for failing to yield, the RCMP said.
Inside the Tribune NEWS A3 School district addresses council. SPORTS A9 Cariboots ‘n Blades starts Friday. COMMUNITY New car club in town.
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Weather outlook: Clouds delivering rain/snow this week.
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Monica Lamb-Yorski photo
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip (speaker) of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, Xeni Gwetin Chief Marilyn Baptiste and Tlet’inqox Chief Joe Alphonse voiced opposition to the New Prosperity Mine project at Tuesday evening’s city council meeting.
Tsilhqot’in oppose New Prosperity Monica Lamb-Yorski Tribune Staff Writer It was standing room only at Williams Lake city hall chambers Tuesday evening when a delegation of Tsilhqot’in chiefs voiced their nation’s opposition to the New Prosperity Mine Proposal. Approximately 200 people joined the chiefs, including local Shuswap and Carrier chiefs, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip and Chief Bob Chamberlin from the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, First Nations people of all ages from various communities, and members of the Council of Canadians Williams Lake Chapter and Fish Lake Alliance. “The Tsilhqot’in position on New Prosperity has not changed as everyone is aware,” said Chief Marilyn Baptiste, Xeni Gwetin (Nemiah Valley). “We come today because we were not consulted successfully by city council during the last process. Yes we have met recently, but that was only af-
ter the city had set forth a motion in support of New Prosperity and we don’t think that was a respectful process.” The city’s motion stated the city’s support of the project, but also specified that support “provided that provincial and federal environmental standards are met and affected First Nations are adequately consulted.” Bapiste pointed out that last week’s request by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency’s panel that Taseko address deficiencies in its approach to assess the cumulative environmental effects of the project does not support city council’s motion. “One of the things we would like to ask is that city council not present before the upcoming panel, if there should be indeed a panel hearing. The other option, perhaps is only putting forth on conditions that the Tsilhqot’in Nation supports,” Baptiste said. Phillip thanked mayor and council for allowing the delega-
tion to present to council. “We’re here once again to register the unity and solidarity with respect to the Union of BC Indian Chiefs who represent 113 First Nations in the province of B.C. Our organization continues to grow in support. We are very proud to stand here tonight with our many brothers and sisters from many parts of the province to once again declare very clearly by formal resolution that we support the Tsilhqot’in in their struggle against the New Prosperity mine proposal, much as we did with the original proposal brought forth by Taseko,” Phillip said. Phillip reminded that last time he spoke with city council during the hearing process for the first Prosperity mine, he shared that in Penticton after a decade of conflict, the band signed a protocol agreement with the city of Penticton. “It was worth the investment and I hope the next time I come that you’re going to tell me that
it’s a fait de complet here,” Phillip said. Chief Joe Alphonse told council the numbers of people in the delegation proved that he and Baptiste are not the only ones opposed to the mine. “I think as a community as a whole we need to work together, respect one another and move forward together. That’s why we’re here,” Alphonse said. However, he added people should not be surprised that First Nations are going to stand up for themselves. Economics are something everyone wishes for Alphonse added, noting his community is appreciative of Gibraltar and Mt. Polley mines as major employers in the region. He said First Nations are actively involved with mining exploration projects in the Chilcotin — Colorado’s Red Sky project near Red Stone the Amarc Resources Newton project. See TNG Page A2