ST’ÁT’IMC CHIEFS COUNCIL

POST OFFICE BOX 1420

LILLOOET , BC VOK IVO

(250) 256-7523 FAX: (250) 256-7119

March 23, 2006

                                                Press Release

(Lillooet, BC)  In the March 22, 2006 Bridge-River Lillooet News article titled Ainsworth warns procedural delays are choking wood supply, general manager of Ainsworth Lumber, Brad Bennett appears to be pointing a finger of blame toward the Sttimc Land and Resource Authority (SLRA) for the impending lack of wood supply.  For the sake of clarification, the SLRA is the technical body to the Sttimc Chiefs Council.

The Sttimc Chiefs Council is currently involved in Government to Government negotiations with the Province of BC.  These two Parties are working together to jointly address land and resource issues within Sttimc territory and are striving to effect meaningful change in a coordinated fashion.

The work required of the SLRA in this process involves meeting with the Sttimc membership who rely upon the resources of the land.  Until very recently, the timber harvesting in the surrounding areas took place without consideration of any Sttimc issues of concern or interest.

The reaction by Bennett is very similar to those happening anywhere that unsustainable harvesting practices have taken place.  The unsustainable harvesting practices in the past have left the forests vulnerable.  As a result of the historic rate of harvest, the logging areas now being sought for harvest are in the backyards of Sttimc communities.

Admittedly there are inevitable learning curves and growing pains that go along with any new approach that requires significant change.  However, pointing fingers and looking for people to blame simply adds fuel to the barely concealed undercurrent of negativity.  That approach only leads us back to continued divisions rather than encouraging the positive work that has begun over the past year.  An equitable and sustainable approach is necessary for the management of the local resources that we all rely upon.

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