'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
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
LIVE @ 1:15 PT B.C. premier to give announcement related to public drug use
B.C.'s premier is scheduled to give an update Friday about public drug use in the province.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.