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Assembly of First Nations Supports St'at'imc Opposition to Ski Resort at Melvin Creek

(Coast Salish Territory (Vancouver)/June 27, 2000)  During a meeting of the AFN Delgamuuk'w Implementation Strategic Committee a delegation and representatives of the St'at'imc Nation made a presentation outlining their opposition to a proposed ski resort development in their traditional territory at Melvin Creek, British Columbia.

The AFN Committee adopted a Resolution supporting the St'at'imc opposition to the proposed ski resort development.

National Chief, Phil Fontaine, said today "the Assembly of First Nations supports the St'at'imc Nation's exercise of their traditional authority in the area of Melvin Creek.  We understand that this is an important alpine ecosystem to St'at'imc culture, as well as, habitat for grizzly bears, mountain goats and other species.  There are already plenty of ski resorts throughout the interior of British Columbia, not to mention the fact that the St'at'imc have already been impacted by ski development at Whistler."

The BC Environmental Assessment Office is expected to go to Cabinet to decide on whether to issue a certificate authorizing the proposed ski resort development on June 30th 2000.