By Jean LaRose, Assembly of First Nations
Copyright © 2002 LaRose/AF
The National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Matthew Coon Come, is calling for a boycott of the Delta Hotel chain by all First Nations citizens in Canada . The chain is behind the attempts by the Sun Peaks Resort Corporation to have the members of the Secwepmc Nation arrested for setting up a camp on their traditional territory. "The Assembly of First Nations is calling on all First Nations to boycott the Delta Hotel chain. The chain has put its financial interests ahead of the recognition of the Aboriginal Rights of the First Nations who own that land. The Delgamuuk'w decision of the Supreme Court of Canada has clearly stated that Aboriginal title still exists in British Columbia and that the economic and legal right to the land still belongs to First Nations. The private interests behind this project are acting as if we didn't exist and their interests are the only ones worth protecting. We must show them they are wrong and the bottom line is the way to direct that message", stated National Chief Matthew Coon Come. The First Nations citizens who have set up a camp on the land arecitizens of the Neskonlith and Adams Lake First Nations. The group includes a 74 year-old elder, Irene Billy. They have been served with an injunction ordering them off their own land or face arrest. They have decided not to leave so the Sun Peaks Resort Corporation is applying for an enforcement order to have the protesters forcibly removed from the land. The hotel chains want to develop that land as part of the Sun Peaks Ski Resort complex. This action is proceeding even though there is a land claim by the Nation on that territory.
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For additional information contact:
Jean LaRose, e-mail:
jlarose@afn.ca For information on protest contact:
Chief Stewart Phillip, 604-684-0231 Related path: |