The Neskonlith Indian Band has petitioned the BC Supreme Court to review the City of Salmon Arm’s approval of SmartCentres’ Environmentally Hazardous Area Development Permit. The petition asks the court to either quash the city’s approval or to stop all action until the city reaches an accommodation with the band. Specifically, the band seeks legal clarification of its right:
• To consultation, as an equal with the city, in all matters affecting the band’s traditional culture and territory.
• To protect against flooding and other environmental impacts on reserve land and the ecological health of the Salmon River delta, which is of great cultural significance.
• To protect the economic livelihood of its members when threatened by ecological and cultural impacts.
WA:TER (Wetland Alliance: the Ecological Response) supports the band’s request for these clarifications because they are consistent with WA:TER’s vision of: • Mutual respect among all members of the greater Salmon Arm community.
• Protection of ecologically sensitive areas.
• Living in ways that are sustainable socially, ecologically and economically.
• The Mary Thomas Heritage Sanctuary as an example of sustainable living that could be a destination resort to the benefit of all of Salmon Arm.
Warren Bell, president, on behalf of WA:TER
