#Xeni Gwet'in

[devinlund]

Lares Ranch

[pnwpol]

July 10, 2019 | Around 300 people living in the isolated Xeni Gwet'in First Nation, one of six communities that form the local Tŝilhqot'in Nation, have been entirely cut off in the Nemaiah Valley because the three main roads that allow access have been chewed up and washed away.

"I haven't seen that river that full," said Joe Alphonse, tribal chair with the Tŝilhqot'in National Government.

The rain started pelting the region late last week. The province's River Forecast Centre started monitoring water levels on Friday, but an official flood warning wasn't issued until Sunday.

Residents say they were already frantic by then, dealing with flooding that came as a surprise on Saturday.

Ranches were turned to swamps and backyards were dotted with their own miniature lakes. Locals started to phone officials in a panic for help, but they say none came for days.

"People phoned on Sunday. The call [was] finally returned at eight on Monday morning and even then, nobody shows up," Randy Saugstad, a rancher in Big Creek, said Tuesday.

"We cannot seem to get any interest from the government."

Read More

[allthecanadianpolitics]

A Federal Court judge has ruled against a contentious mine proposal in central British Columbia, upholding Ottawa's decision to reject the project over concerns it would adversely affect the environment.

A pair of decisions, released this week, mark the latest blow for Taseko Mines Ltd.'s New Prosperity mine, which is opposed by local First Nations, has been rejected twice by the federal government and has been the subject of years of litigation. The company says it's reviewing the court decision.

The New Prosperity project is a proposed open-pit copper and gold mine located 125 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake, B.C., near the Xeni Gwet'in First Nation community, part of the Tsilhqot'in Nation.

While the project received the approval of the former B.C. Liberal government, the federal government under the Conservatives rejected it twice, most recently in 2014. Among the concerns was the impact on Fish Lake, which the Tsilhqot'in National Government considers a sacred site.

Continue Reading.

[tracybradleybirthdoula]

Market is 12-5 Sunday and 11-5 Monday the 23rd. Today’s feature market artist: My name is Lori Myers of Naturally Lor Designs. I'm from Xeni Gwet'in First Nation of the Tsilhqot'in nation. I have been a guest in Treaty 6 territory for the past 10 years. I have been searching for a creative outlet for my overall personal wellness and fell in love with sewing and trying to live a more natural lifestyle. I think that Indigenous ways of living and eco-inspired living is such a great match. With all of this on mind, I wanted to start a small business that ties all my passions together. I started Naturally Lor Designs to help me bring Indigenous inspired and eco-conscious products to the markets. This is my way of intertwining my two worlds together. I currently make medicine pouches, zippered pouches, sleeping masks, makeup brush/artist rolls, and bath fizzes with essential oils. I am tinkering with other reusable travel items as well. I am new to sewing and have received most of my training from my cousin. My cousin and I get together most Saturdays. My first project that I completed was with my younger sister. We made ribbon medicine bags. I make Indigenous inspired items, such as medicine pouches, zippered pouches, makeup or artist brush rolls, sleeping masks, and bath fizzes made with essential oils. I am tinkering with new ideas but also wanting to perfect my items. (at Grow Centre Coworking and Teaching Space) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6YT0zjgw_6/?igshid=1v9aowl2pr3bj

[mrgeorgeswilson]

Documentary profiling 200 km journey premieres at VIFF, a year after near fatal accident

A documentary profiling a 200 km journey by the Xeni Gwet'in is screening at the Vancouver International Film Festival, a year after a nearly fatal accident.

Original Story: https://ift.tt/2O2Hj0l

[jbergren]

Crossing Home: A Skier's Journey | Series Finale from Jordan Manley on Vimeo.

For travellers, life on the road ultimately winds to an end, and the compass points towards home. In the series finale, after excursions through ski cultures across the globe, Chad Sayers and Forrest Coots go back to the beginning - British Columbia. Embarking on a 3 week expedition, they boat, bushwack, ski, and packraft the spine of the Coast mountains. From interior plateau, steep chutes and over the Homathko Icefield, to the lush, carpeted coastal inlets of the Pacific coast. What is the meaning of home? A cast of characters help them understand what that term truly means.

Presented by Arc'teryx in association with Gore-Tex and Destination British Columbia

Visit: askiersjourney.com to learn more.

Director / Producer / Cinematographer / Editor: Jordan Manley Featuring: Chad Sayers & Forrest Coots Associate Producer: Laura Yale Story Editors: Daniel Irvine, Chad Manley Additional Sound Design and Mix: Jeff Yellen Motion Graphics: Blair Richmond

It is important to acknowledge that this film was made With the blessing of and in cooperation with the Xeni Gwet'in First Nation’s Government, who granted us permission to transit through their territory and share their stories. We are grateful for their support.

For more information about visiting Xeni Gwet'in and Tsilhqot'in territory, please visit xeni.ca

Technical: Shot on Sony A7SII | Sony FE 16-35 f4 / 70-200 f4 | DJI Phantom 3 | Feisol CT-3342 & Sirui VH-10

[rick-o]

Crossing Home: A Skier's Journey | Series Finale from Jordan Manley on Vimeo.

For travellers, life on the road ultimately winds to an end, and the compass points towards home. In the series finale, after excursions through ski cultures across the globe, Chad Sayers and Forrest Coots go back to the beginning - British Columbia. Embarking on a 3 week expedition, they boat, bushwack, ski, and packraft the spine of the Coast mountains. From interior plateau, steep chutes and over the Homathko Icefield, to the lush, carpeted coastal inlets of the Pacific coast. What is the meaning of home? A cast of characters help them understand what that term truly means.

Presented by Arc'teryx in association with Gore-Tex and Destination British Columbia

Visit: askiersjourney.com to learn more.

Director / Producer / Cinematographer / Editor: Jordan Manley Featuring: Chad Sayers & Forrest Coots Associate Producer: Laura Yale Story Editors: Daniel Irvine, Chad Manley Additional Sound Design and Mix: Jeff Yellen Motion Graphics: Blair Richmond

It is important to acknowledge that this film was made With the blessing of and in cooperation with the Xeni Gwet'in First Nation’s Government, who granted us permission to transit through their territory and share their stories. We are grateful for their support.

For more information about visiting Xeni Gwet'in and Tsilhqot'in territory, please visit xeni.ca

Technical: Shot on Sony A7SII | Sony FE 16-35 f4 / 70-200 f4 | DJI Phantom 3 | Feisol CT-3342 & Sirui VH-10

[fishlake-blog]

Decision in native land rights likely to lead to Supreme Court of Canada

The Province - June 27, 2012

(Please read link for comments) 

After five years and $30 million in litigation, the B.C. Court of Appeal has dismissed sweeping aboriginal title but defined a new “postage-stamp” type of native claim that includes hunting and trapping rights. The court also found the B.C. government had “infringed” on the title of the Tsilhqot’in First Nation by allowing logging without proper consultation. The long-awaited but far from clearcut court ruling creates certainty on only one point: There will be more litigation. “We will take this all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada,” pledged Chief Marilyn Baptiste of the Xeni Gwet’in. Baptiste predicted Wednesday’s decision will make it more difficult for the Taseko Mines’s New Prosperity Project to proceed without proper consultation, noting the court found even logging roads infringed on native rights. The mine was not referenced in the court case but is within the Tsilhqot’in land claim, and the court ruled First Nations must be “properly” consulted. B.C. Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Mary Polak said in a statement Wednesday that the appeal court found “aboriginal title must be demonstrated on a site-specific rather than a territorial basis.” Polak quoted the appeal court decision as saying that “consultation and negotiation are, without a doubt, the preferred routes to reconciliation of aboriginal rights with the needs of British Columbia as a whole.” Polak said her government is already doing that, and has “made significant changes in the way it works with First Nations. “B.C. remains committed to negotiations, rather than litigation, as the primary means of reconciling Crown-First Nations interests.” Chief Joe Alphonse, Tribal Chair of the Tsilhqot’in National Government, said the court battle, which took 339 court days and heard from 24 aboriginal witnesses, many speaking in their own language, “is just one step in a much larger struggle.” The case was named after the lead plaintiff, Councillor Roger William from Xeni Gwet’in, who spoke in his wide cowboy hat and buckskin jacket at a press conference afterward. William gave a rustic spin to the ruling: “The court is saying we own the cabin, and the outhouse and the barn, but none of the land in between, even though we’re allowed to keep hunting, trapping and running our horses there.” William said that the court recognized the Tsilhqot’in rights to wild horses on the range and hunting, but not to control resources being harvested on land claimed by First Nations. “This decision just sets it up nicely for the next court,” said William. Alphonse admitted that the case has cost “millions and millions” of dollars to date but pledged to continue the battle to Canada’s highest court. The appeal court panel, made up of Justice Harvey Groberman, Justice Risa Levine and Justice David Tysoe, called the case one that covered more scope than almost any previous aboriginal test case. The William case encompassed “a wide range of disciplines, including anthropology, archeology, cartography and biology,” the judges’ panel said. The appeal court did acknowledge aboriginal title to a broad swath of about 2,000 sq. km of land in north central B.C., but did little to clarify what that title means on the ground. The court said First Nations should be able to earn a “moderate livelihood” from the land they claim, but dismissed the notion they had primary title. The unanimous 103-page decision said the B.C. government infringed on native rights by allowing logging in the Chilcotin area claimed by natives. Much of the decision of the trial judge, the late B.C. Supreme Court Judge David Vickers, was upheld by the appeal court. “The judge [Vickers] determined that there was no governmental objective that was sufficiently weighty to justify the infringement of Tsilhqot’in aboriginal rights,” wrote Judge Groberman. “I would not interfere with that determination.” The battle that led to Wednesday’s decision began in 1989, when the Xeni Gwet’in, then the Nemiah Valley Indian band, began blockades and protests against logging roads into their isolated valley. Litigation began in December 2002, and Vickers ruled in 2007 that the Tsilhqot’in had proven aboriginal title and established certain rights. The Tsilhqot’in have about 90 days to file an appeal to Canada’s highest court.

http://www.theprovince.com/news/Mining+prep+aboriginal+lands+infringed+Chilcotin+First+Nation/6849011/story.html 

[devinlund]

[devinlund]

Konni Lake, BC

[devinlund]

37th shot

[fishlake-blog]

Horses and Other Updates

FONV - June 11, 2012

Hello All Friends of Friends of the Nemaiah Valley; 1. Wild Horses:  A team from CBC TV has been up in the Nemaiah Valley talking to Wild Horse Ranger David Setah, elders and other community members about the importance of the wild horses to the Xeni Gwet’in people. “Canada Wild” is a 4 part TV series about the people, landscapes and nature of Canada. Over the next 18 months they will be filming all over Canada with particular reference to the First Nations relationship with animals and their habitats. Filming in the Nemaiah Valley will likely begin this summer, recording the connection between horses and people, past and present.

  Also, a correction to our last Newsletter.  This is the 11th (not 10th) year of the Wild Horse Ranger Patrol program!

2.  Thanks to Jay Nelson, new Chief Counsel for the Tsilhqot’in National Government, who spoke at our recent AGM. Jay provided information regarding the courts and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) process for New “Prosperity” Mine: a)  The William appeal of Justice Vickers decision regarding rights and title and begun in November, 2010, is still awaiting a decision after 19 months; b)  Taseko has not yet deposited an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with the federal government. Once this is done, and accepted by the CEAA, there will be a 45 day period for public comment after which the Panel may or may not chose to ask for more information. After that, the Public Hearings will begin – with only 30 days set aside for this. The clock does not start ticking, however, until Taseko's EIS is filed and approved as sufficient.

Norman, J.P. and Cecil place medicine bundles around Nabas for protection (May 2012)

  3.  Once again, Taseko Mines is framing the mine project as First Nations and environmentalists vs non-natives. This was proven to be false the first time around and it remains untrue. Here is Chief Joe Alphonse’s letter in today’s (June 11) Globe and Mail in response to an earlier G&M article: "The proposed mine near Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) is not a case of first nations and environmentalists pitted against non-native residents. A significant proportion of the non-native population of Williams Lake and the Cariboo region stand firmly behind the Tsilhqot'in Nation in our opposition to this project (Fish Lake Mine Offers Test Case For Tory Environmental Rules – June 6). "Many of these residents have the same concerns that the independent expert panel found: immitigable significant impacts to fish, fish habitat, grizzlies and a devastation to Tsilhqot'in culture, regardless of which “variation” of this huge mine is proposed. "The fight against the mine proposal is for all British Columbians and all Canadians who want a review process that is transparent and accountable to the public. In the face of the previous scathing findings, this so-called “new” proposal cannot be approved. "Joe Alphonse, Chief of Tl'etinqox-t'in; chairman, Tsilhqot'in National Government."

4.  The FONV office will be closed for a month for summer holidays.  Please continue to send all inquiries to info@fonv.ca and we will try to respond as quickly as we can. Thanks to all for your continued support with a very big "Congratulations" to long time supporter Kaite who completed the Toronto Half Marathon and collected pledges in support of the wild horses!  What a team! Cheers, Pat Swift info@fonv.ca

http://sms.vsip.ca/mailings/68/65d14dd55e2f171e270dec90a5139394/4fd63ee75e28d/

[fishlake-blog]

Tsilhqot’in Vow to ‘Stand Ground’ Against New Prosperity Mine at Taseko AGM

Indian Country Today Media Network.com - June 7, 2012

David P. Ball

Chief Marilyn Baptiste, chief of Xeni Gwet'in, the Tsilhqot'in band situated nearest the mine site, spoke and drummed outside Taseko Mines Ltd.'s annual meeting.

Behind doors closed even to media, Taseko Mines Ltd. boasted 2011 profits of $86.3 million Canadian [$83.1 million USD] at its annual general meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia, on June 1. Outside, members of Tsilhqot’in First Nation continued their steadfast opposition to the company’s New Prosperity Mine on their territory.

Tsilhqot’in were joined by allies from prominent aboriginal and environmental organizations, as well as indigenous opponents of Canadian mining companies throughout the Americas—all of whom declared that unbridled mining threatens their territories and way of life.

“It’s a simple No,” said Marilyn Baptiste, chief of Xeni Gwet’in, the Tsilhqot’in band situated nearest the mine site. “Our land is not for sale. Our position has not changed and cannot change for the destruction of our lands, our waters and our way of life. Our wild rainbow trout has survived in that lake system for hundreds of years, as our people have. We will not, and cannot, agree to such destruction in the headwaters by Taseko.”

Concerns center around the mine’s impact on Teztan Biny, or Fish Lake, and on hunting, fishing and harvesting by the Tsilhqot’in.

The proposed New Prosperity Mine—which the company says will yield 3.6 billion pounds of copper and 7.7 million ounces of gold—is undergoing a second environmental assessment process, after the company’s initial plan was rejected in 2010. A decision is expected in November.

Media were barred from the company meeting, and requests for comment went unreturned. However, Taseko insisted its revised proposal mitigates environmental damage, according to speaking notes posted to the firm’s website by President and Chief Executive Officer Russell Hallbauer.

“This project … holds exciting potential for the company’s stakeholders, including shareholders and local communities,” Hallbauer wrote. “These revised plans address the environmental concerns identified in the original environmental assessment process, and importantly, includes the preservation of Fish Lake.”

Chief Joe Alphonse, tribal chairman of the Tsilhqot’in National Government, reiterated his nation’s opposition to the mine, decrying what he said is a lack of meaningful consultation.

“We’re not opposed to development,” Alphonse said, “but this is not the way to do it.”

He found it especially egregious for Taseko to come back, with a plan that still destroys a pristine lake (though not the one in the original plan) after having been rejected on environmental grounds. Although Fish Lake would be saved, Little Fish Lake would be destroyed, according to the Georgia Straight.

“This is the first time in Canada that a mine has been approved a second time [after being rejected],” he said. “They’ve reloaded and they’re coming back with a Conservative majority federally.”

Alphonse described Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) as a thriving ecosystem of vital importance.

“You can see the fish jumping out of Fish Lake, and wolf tracks, moose tracks,” he said. “We have the most consistent sockeye run in North America—the only run on the Fraser [River] that’s still healthy.”

The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), representing British Columbia’s First Nations, also voiced support. Its president, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, accused Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Conservative government of colluding with mining companies.

“We were shocked and appalled when we learned the Harper government and his cronies in the mining industry got a second kick at the can,” Phillip said. “The second proposal . . . is far more destructive.”

He buttressed support for the Tsilhqot’in First Nation.

“I know in my heart of hearts we’re going to win this fight,” he said. “We’re at a watershed moment in this country known as Canada. I believe this represents the beginning of a long, hot summer in B.C.”

Read more:http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/06/07/tsilhqotin-vow-to-stand-ground-against-new-prosperity-mine-at-taseko-agm-116686 http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/06/07/tsilhqotin-vow-to-stand-ground-against-new-prosperity-mine-at-taseko-agm-116686#ixzz1xGMDwX5K

[fishlake-blog]

Protesters target Taseko meeting

Vancouver Sun - June 2, 2012

Vancouver police officers look on as indigenous groups protest a proposed gold-copper mine on Friday outside Vancouver's Terminal City Club, where Taseko Mines was holding its annual general meeting. Members of the Tsilhqot'in First Nation say they have not been adequately consulted.

By Gordon Hamilton, Vancouver Sun June 2, 2012

Indigenous people from mining communities through-out the Americas joined the Tsilhqot'in First Nation on Fri-day outside Vancouver's Terminal City Club in a show of solidarity against the proposed New Prosperity mine west of Williams Lake.

Inside the club, which was heavily protected by police, New Prosperity developer Taseko Mines was holding its annual general meeting.

The protesters wanted share-holders to know that they will not back down in their opposition to the gold-copper mine, which is going through a second environmental assessment after a previous plan was rejected by the federal government. The company says the new plan preserves Fish Lake, an important cultural site, a source of food for the Tsilhqot'in and the flashpoint for the opposition to the mine. The Tsilhqot'in disagree that Fish Lake will be preserved and say the company has not adequately consulted with them.

"Shareholders beware, we will not back down. It is not worth your investment," said Marilyn Baptiste, chief of Xeni Gwet'in, the Tsilhqot'in band most affected by the mine.

Indigenous people from other communities affected by Canadian mines, mostly in Latin America, took part in the pro-test, saying most of the mining activity affecting them is being done by Canadian mining companies.

"Throughout Latin America, we are organizing resistance against Canadian mining companies," said Gustavo Castro, coordinator of the Mexican Network of People Affected by Mining.

The international groups were in Vancouver attending a conference hosted by the Council of Canadians called Shout Out Against Mining Injustice.

Taseko took the unusual step of closing its AGM to news media, and a company spokesperson said there will be no comment from the company on either the meeting or the protest.

However, New Prosperity did come up at the meeting, according to the company's website, where speaking notes for president Russell Hallbauer were posted.

"These revised plans address the environmental concerns identified in the original environmental assessment process and importantly, includes the preservation of Fish Lake," the speaking notes say. "We are actively working on this project, which holds exciting potential for the company's stake-holders, including shareholders and local communities."

A decision on the second environmental review is expected by November.

http://www.vancouversun.com/touch/technology/story.html?id=6720035

[fishlake-blog]

Fundraising Evening with Xeni Gwet'in Chief Marilyn Baptiste

RAVEN (Respecting Aboriginal Values & Environmental Needs)

April 10, 2012

Fundraising Evening with Xeni Gwet'in Chief Marilyn Baptiste - Public Event

Monday, April 23, 2012 @ 7:00pm until 9:00pm

In the Lounge at St. John the Divine Church 1611 Quadra Street, Victoria

RAVEN is honoured to present an intimate evening with Xeni Gwet’in Chief Marilyn Baptiste. Join us to hear firsthand how Chief Marilyn is leading this proud nation in their courageous fight to save Fish Lake (Teztan Biny) and their territorial land from destruction by the proposed Prosperity Mine. This is a fundraising evening; all monies raised will directly support the Tsilhqot’in Nation. In the Lounge at St. John the Divine Church 1611 Quadra Street Wine, finger foods and desserts will be served. Monday April 23, 2012 7pm – 9pm Seating is limited. Tickets are $100 each. To purchase tickets please contact laurie@raventrust.com Pursuant to CRA guidelines, a tax receipt will be issued for the maximum allowable amount.

[fishlake-blog]

Baptiste reacts to UN observations

Williams Lake Tribune - March 23, 2012

Xeni Gwet’in Chief Marilyn Baptiste says there are a number of issues she wants to highlight following the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination’s concluding observations about what’s going on in Canada.

Baptiste was part of a delegation of First Nations leaders from Canada who attended the committee’s hearings in Geneva, Switzerland last month.

In its report, the committee notes that where Canada has enacted a corporate responsibility strategy, the committee is concerned that the state has not yet adopted measures with regard to transnational corporations registered in Canada whose activities negatively impact the rights of indigenous people outside Canada, in particular in mining activities.

“Of course, to me, that also applies in Canada obviously,” Baptiste says.

She also points to section 19 of the report that talks about aboriginal health funding and the need for implementing and reinforcing existing programs, and ultimately that the Canadian government provide the UN committee with information on the progress and concrete results of such programs and policies.

She also notes the committee’s concerns about the rights to consultation as provided in legislation and the right to prior, free and informed consent to projects and initiatives concerning aboriginal peoples not being “fully applied by the state party” and that they may be “subject to limitations.”

“Of course that is a simple reflection on the last panel’s report on Prosperity Mine about that exact thing, of the impacts to our aboriginal use of our territory now as well as in the future,” she says of the upcoming environmental review of New Prosperity.

The committee also points out various measures taken to combat violence against aboriginal women and girls. However, it says it remains concerned that demographic is disproportionately victims of life-threatening forms of violence, spousal homicides and disappearances.

Baptiste says she was advised Monday by her community’s social department that federal funding that used to flow through for family violence prevention initiatives in her community is being deleted. “The committee recommends strengthening programs that fight violence against women, not delete them. What does that mean, that Canada is implementing these steps for a short period of time to get through these steps at the United Nations level? That’s a little bit concerning,” she says.

A spokesperson from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, responding to Baptiste’s concerns regarding the funding program, says AANDC’s Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP) is committed to fostering healthy First Nations families and invests approximately $30 million annually in family violence shelters and prevention programs and services on-reserve. “AANDC is working to renew the FVPP and considers minimizing the disruption to shelter services a key priority.

“The department also remains committed to supporting prevention projects; however, funding decisions for the next fiscal year are pending renewal of the program. We will know more details after the federal budget is announced,” the spokesperson says.

http://www.wltribune.com/news/143861236.html