'Our Mother Earth is crying': First Nations urge new approach to B.C.'s old growth forests
While B.C.'s NDP government is running ads promoting its policy for old growth forests and its relationships with First Nations, several Indigenous leaders are speaking out to criticize the province's approach.
At a news conference slamming the current plans for the forests, several speakers accused the government of not abiding by its law to uphold Indigenous rights, and a duty to consult on major policy.
"Asking for consent to defer but not asking for consent to log is a total about face," said Khelsilem, council chairperson of the Squamish Nation.
The news conference, organized by the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, took aim at the 30 days given to nations to sign off on old growth deferral plans. That means no trees would be cut for a defined period of time. Speakers told reporters 30 days was simply not enough time, and accused the NDP of not properly consulting on the policy.
On Nov. 2, the province announced plans to defer harvesting of 2.6 million hectares of old growth forests. First Nations said that was the first time they saw the maps provided of proposed deferral areas. Until the deferrals take effect, clear-cutting can continue.
"Let's be clear: What we want is a moratorium on old growth logging, period," said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip.
On Vancouver Island, the Huu-ay-aht Nation agreed the period of time was too short, but disagreed with calling for a ban. Their preliminary plan is to log a small portion of the old growth on their land.
Chief Robert Dennis told CTV News, "We want to be able to generate our own revenue our own money to provide the programs we need to make life better for our people."
The minister of forests wasn't available for an interview.
A government ad campaign touts the province's progress on the old growth issue, and speaks of a new way forward that includes building relationships with First Nations. Some say that's not happening.
"They're putting out television ads that are absolutely disgusting if you know the real truth and reality of what's out there," said Grand Chief Phillip.
Indigenous leaders insist the new approach needs to recognize both the climate crisis and their knowledge of the land. They say trying to re-work a process that's more than century old and was created without Indigenous input is not the right way to go.
Chief James Hobart with the Spuzzum First Nation said his community is dealing with mudslides caused in part by a road to an old growth forest not being properly ditched. He urged government to come to the table and listen to Indigenous leaders.
"Our Mother Earth is crying," said Hobart. "She wants us to do something."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
No, a best-selling American writing duo didn't pen a Galen Weston romance novel
You would be forgiven for thinking Christina Lauren's latest romance novel stars a hunky reimagining of Loblaw chairman Galen G. Weston.
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Sunchips, Munchies recalled by Frito Lay Canada for possible salmonella contamination
Frito Lay Canada is recalling two of its most popular snacks due to a possible risk of salmonella contamination.
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the 'hurtful' end of her talk show in new stand-up set
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.'s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease's progression.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.