Dear Editor,
Re: Selkirk Power and The Beaver River Valley Hydro project
The Adams Lake Indian Band Chief and Council on behalf of the Secwempc peoples of the Shuswap Nation it represents would like to outline our position on the Beaver River Valley Hydro project put forward by Selkirk Power in the Golden area. This area is a significant part of our Shuswap Nation and lies in our Secwempc Traditional Territory.
Selkirk Power has been in consistent communication with Adams Lake Indian Band and with other member bands of the Lakes Division group of bands (Splatsin, Neskonlith and Adams Lake) for some time now. The Adams Lake Indian Band was first spoken to in this regard back in April 2008. We have been communicating with this group consistently since then. We have held community meetings and numerous technical meetings. We have also been out on the creek sites with our Elders (Knowledge Keepers) and Spiritual advisors as well as our technical people. The Adams Lake Indian Band has been involved in all aspects of assessment of the site and throughout the Beaver River Valley. Selkirk Power has provided full technical support and cooperation along the way providing all the details and support information for the many concerns and questions raised throughout the process. Selkirk Power has been very respectful and considerate throughout this process as they are very mindful and respective of our Traditional values and our relationship with Mother Earth. They continue to work with the Band and The Lakes Division Shuswap Bands to negotiate and develop the necessary and required agreements to see this project through to completion and production. The Adams Lake Indian Band hopes to become a business partner with Selkirk Power in the project and is fully supportive of the project.
Sincerely,
~Nelson Leon
Chief of Adams Lake Indian Band
