'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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.