(Vancouver, Coast Salish Territory) "We are agreeing to be arrested on behalf of all Elders and Native people who depend on their territory for their traditional livelihood and for their medicines." This is one of the comments made by the young people who are voluntarily turning themselves in today to the Kamloops Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment. Eleven arrest warrants of 'mischief and intimidation' were issued last week in response to the brief action of protesters on August 24th.

Chief Stewart Phillip stated "The people arrested today are the Elders, the youth and land-users of Skwelkwek'welt who are protecting their Aboriginal Title interests in the Sun Peaks area. The criminalization and harassment of community people does not settle the fundamental issues of Neskonlith's unresolved Aboriginal Title and of their Douglas Reserve specific claim." Chief Phillip went on to say "I fully agree with Chief Arthur Manuel's call for the governments of British Columbia and Canada to enter into good faith negotiations based on the recognition of Aboriginal Title and Rights. The governments should not be attempting to circumvent what the courts and the Canadian Constitution states, Aboriginal Title and Rights exist."

After presenting themselves to the RCMP, the eleven people are free to go as long as they abide by the conditions of the warrant, one of which is that they do not return to Sun Peaks. Each person has the choice to abide by the conditions but if the person chooses not to abide by the conditions, they may be taken into custody.

"The police and courts alone can not resolve the situation. Negotiations must begin to allow those who are impacted by the Sun Peaks Resort expansion their right to be involved. It is them who endure the hardships of corporate takeovers of their land and of their resources."

Chief Phillip observed "Attorney General Geoff Plant has expressed his will to discuss Skwelkwek'welt but Minister Robert Nault has persistently dismissed the mounting tensions of Skwelkwek'welt. Aboriginal people at the community level are being criminalized and harassed but the continuing negligence of Minister Nault is most certainly the greatest crime being committed at Skwelkwek'welt."