Kahtou 0004
Nov. 2000

SECWEPEMC TERRITORY - The Adams Lake and Neskonlith Band Councils responded to deliberately misleading comments made by Sun Peaks Resort Spokesperson, Darcy Alexander.

Mr Anderson was wrong when he stated:

€ "We are not in a reserve land. We¹ve never been a reserve land." In fact, the area where the Sun Peaks Resort is located, is within our 1862 Neskonlith Douglas Reserve. These are lands reserved for Indians within the meaning of the Constitution Act 1867. There has never been a legal surrender of these lands as required by law.

€ "The Douglas reserve claim (referred to by the Natives Sunday) was rejected by the federal government two years ago." In fact, the federal government acts as judge, jury and executioner in Aboriginal claims against the Crown. Our communities do not accept the unilateral, unjust federal rejection of our ŒSpecific Claim¹. We expect a face to face meeting with the federal Minister of Indian Affairs on this matter at some point soon. Otherwise, we have numerous political and legal options available to us.

€ "All the base land is on fee simple land. The ski area is all properly leased with the Crown. Everything we¹ve done is completely above board." In fact, the Œbase land¹ and Œski area¹ is within our 1862 Constitutional Indian Reserve, as well as, our Secwepemc Aboriginal title territory. The Sun Peaks Resort never did any studies on how their operations or expansion plans would impact Secwepemc land use activities. The Sun Peaks ŒMaster Plan¹ does not even mention Secwepemc use or presence in the area.

€ "This watershed committee represents a minority of Band members. They do not represent Aboriginal people as a whole." In fact, our Adams Lake and Neskonlith Band Councils established the Secwepemc Watershed Committee to represent both of our communities on land and resource issues. Our Watershed Committee represents a cross section of our community who are hunters, fishers, food and medicine plant harvesters. They are not Œmilitants¹.

Richard Manuel, Councillor for the Neskonlith Band added "the Sun Peaks Resort never meaningfully consulted us regarding their expansion plans. The existing Sun Peaks Resort operation has impacted on our land use activities too much already. Our communities know that the Sun Peaks Resort is ignoring our title, rights and interests and we will continue to take the necessary actions to protect our culture and environment. Our Council fully endorses and supports the efforts of the Secwepemcs Watershed Committee we have worked hard to empower our members to become active in protecting their rights. Chief Manuel met with the Tourism Committee of the German Parliament in Berlin. They took our concerns seriously and they are sending a message to the federal government telling them to respect our rights. The Sun Peaks Resort had the chance to work with us, now we are taking action."