Editor:
The Prosperity Review panel is back in town; it is hoped that the panel will be able to sift the chaff from the facts, the whimsy from the down and dirty real time issues.
Taseko Mines has been asked to resolve many factual issues, however, on the other side, intangible “what if” questions continue to be raised and cloud the process, begging the question where does it all end?
The more hoops we make a developer jump through, whether it be a mine, a factory location, you name it, it all eventually translates to reduced purchasing power as these costs trickle down.
Make no mistake about who pays, reduced welfare, pension shortfalls, and food banks just so people can exist, as long as Canada has resources, those resources will be used so Canada can continue to meet the growing needs of all Canadians.
I am not attending the review process.
I have made my submission to the panel in writing, and frankly I find the drumming disconcerting lacking an understanding of the purpose of the drumming, as I am sure others might feel, if say, bag pipers were called to play a dirge as part the presentation of those for Prosperity.
Nothing against either drums or bagpipes played in a proper context; however, in this context, forgive me if I sit this one out.
In my submission to the panel, I noted that in the year 2000 David Suzuki report, regarding the lifestyle and the historical significance of the Nemiah people in their chosen location at the mouth of the Chilko River, the Suzuki report made no mention about Fish Lake or that Fish Lake played any part — I repeat, any part — in the lives of the Nemiah people in this turn of the century. David Suzuki report, no mention, nothing.
Former Nemiah Chief Roger William with concern over logging in the Nemiah traditional claimed territory described as the Brittany Triangle, in 1998 began legal action called the Nemiah Trap Line Action.
This action has now proceeded to the Supreme Court of Canada.
The Brittany Triangle does not include Fish Lake, and Fish Lake is not mentioned in this court case.
I have found little historical information that would support the Nemiah and the Chilcotin people’s claim, that their claim is based on historical native use of Fish Lake.
Doug Wilson
Williams Lake
