I was surprised to see a large photo of Lower Similkameen Band members protesting the national park. When I read closely, I saw that the photo was from four years ago. Currently both the Lower Similkameen Indian Band and Osoyoos Indian Band are working with Parks Canada on several studies looking at the impact of the park on Syilx communities. The park plan has changed significantly since the 2008 photo was taken and First Nations are currently very engaged in a dialogue with Parks Canada.
It is very unfortunate that our provincial elected officials are calling the process “a dead issue” when people are working in good faith to find a locally made plan that works for this area. There was a public opinion survey done a few years ago which showed that a significant majority of those polled were in favour of the park. Politicians are simply choosing to ignore significant local support for the park.
A couple of years ago I watched a television program about Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. For years the local ranchers and politicians lobbied hard against the idea. One of the politicians who fought against the park was interviewed. He said it was “The best fight he ever lost” since everyone now sees what a tremendous natural and economic asset the park is to Wyoming.
It would be a shame if ministers Terry Lake and Peter Kent shut down the process. Lake claims there is less than 51 per cent that support the park. Just where does he get that figure?
Margaret Holm
Penticton
