South Cariboo Fire fighters recognized A16 & A17
OCTOBER 9, 2014
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Chris Watkins, left, was the patient care/medical person who looked after patient Paul Donnelly, while rescue team leader Jon Lavigne checked to see if there were any remaining obstacles that would prevent the patient from coming out easily during the extrication demonstration at the 100 Mile House Fire-Rescue Open House on Oct. 5. The demo involved a patient who was trapped in the driver side of the vehicle.
Canim Lake chief applauds decision Secwepemc member supports Tsilhqot’in title claims Carole Rooney Free Press
The Supreme Court of Canada’s declaration of Aboriginal title to the Tsilhqot’in Nation – the first time ever in Canada – is the first of many to come across British Columbia. That was a primary message Alexis Creek First Nation Chief Percy Guichon and others passed to a packed room of local government politicians at a Sept. 23 Union of B.C. Municipalities Convention forum. Canim Lake Band Chief Mike Archie says the province has also made more of a commitment to working partnerships and taking action to transform Crown and First Nations relations in B.C. Archie notes he heard this reflected in Premier Christy Clark’s
comments about “working part- he adds. nerships being the way forward” at The Canim Lake Band chief says a Sept. 11 meeting between cabi- he expects recognition of Aboriginal net ministers and First Nations he rights will go forward in stages, but attended. what is “most important” is that this “In the past, I think we land title has been granted to always pushed for the title the Tsilhqot’in. and the resources of the terIt assigns formal boundritories, and we need to know aries around 1,700 square that we will work together in kilometres in the Nemiah those areas.” Valley near Williams Lake, A second key point which is now no longer constressed at the forum was sidered Crown land. that this should be viewed as Mike Archie “To me, it’s most impora step forward for relations tant that it recognizes the with the province and local govern- Aboriginals have the right to, and ments, Archie explains. benefit of, these resources. A lot of “I think it is very important for the resources are leaving traditional these relationships.” territories, but there is no benefit Another crucial right for First going to the First Nations. I think Nations is that consultation and those things need to be clearly outconsent takes place prior to harvest- lined.” ing in their traditional territories, He explains the “minimal” Forest
and Range agreements in place leave a disparity in the revenues that do go to First Nations people. Having resource revenues provides communities the means to rebuild infrastructure, Archie says, adding they are only asking for what could be considered a normal, equitable business arrangement. “I think that Supreme Court decision was a good decision.” Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett says she agrees it was the right decision. The “proof ” of that will be revealed in the future collaboration of the provincial and federal governments and the Aboriginals, she adds. “I think the First Nations are just like everyone else – they want to improve the quality of life for their citizens and protect the environment.”