PRESS RELEASE

(Vancouver, B.C., August 14, 2000)  The fundamental reason why there is a dispute between the Aboriginal peoples in Interior B.C., and the Nancy Greene Raine Consultants Inc. is because of damages her company create to the pristine wilderness which the people of British Columbia are fortunate to have in their backyard.  This is another project to create an eyesore to the environment just so a few people can have their own form of recreation.  A whole valley and mountain will be dug up and replaced by ski-lifts, power lines and roads.  At 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 15, 2000 the St'at'imc poeple will arrive in the City of Vancouver to hold a demonstration against the Canadian Venture Exchange (609 Granville St) which is backing the Melvin Creek Ski Resort Proposal.  The St'at'imc people are the caretakers of this part of the land.  It is their lifeline.  They are taking responsibility to protect their territory by fighting to stop Al and Nancy Greene from building another ski resort.  "Nowhere on Earth will you find indigenous peoples willling to let consortiums come into their territory and allow them to tear up the land, trees, vegetation, berries and force wildlife to starve because their habitat is replaced by modern ski villages", said Chief Stewart Phillip, "the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs is in full support of the St'at'imc Nation in their fight to protect their land and resources, and it is time for the citizens of British Columbia to stand with us and implement good stewardship we all talk about."

For information: Chief Stewart Phillip @ Cell # (250) 490-5314
                         Chief Garry John @ Cell # (604) 868-8560