Kahtou 0004
Sept. 2000

VANCOUVER/COAST SALISH TERRITORY - The St'at'imc Nation is one of the Aboriginal Nations allied together in the South, Central Interior of BC as the Interior Alliance. This Aboriginal political alliance is based upon mutual recognition and support, as such, the Interior Alliance will be assisting the St'at'imc Nation in stopping this project in its tracks.

The Interior Alliance has already initiated an International Forest Market Campaign because the Harcourt/Dosanjh model of land and resource planning and management refuses to recognize Aboriginal title as a pre-existing property right. The Interior Alliance is therefore actively considering adding an international boycott of British Columbia as a tourist destination to our campaign.

Chief Arthur Manuel, Chairman of the Interior Alliance, said "we are giving notice to any potential investors of NGR Resorts and the proposed Melvin Creek/Cayoose Si Resort. Donšt throw your money away. This project is dead without St'at'imc consent., and they have said no. If NGR Resorts persists in proceeding with this white elephant initiative, then our interior Alliance can easily focus on identifying the international clients of places like Sun Peaks Resort and discourage them from coming to a destination that violates Aboriginal rights and places profits over species at risk such as the mountain goats and grizzly bears."

"We have plenty of evidence to show how our people have benefitted little if any from forestry and tourism initiatives which have already drastically damaged the landscape within our Aboriginal title territories and contributed to our impoverishment."

The Interior Alliance represents a majority of the Bands in the South, Central Interior of BC who are outside of the BC Treaty process.