Where can we assume the NDP is currently sitting on implementing number one and six of the Old Growth Review?
Number one being that the province provides funding and support for First Nations communities to diversify their economies and transition away from the need to harvest old growth stands on their traditional territories in order to gain financial independence.
Indigenous communities have been put between a rock and a hard place. I feel as if they have been invited to the table after everyone else has filled their bellies, and now there are merely crumbs left.
The first recommendation of the BC Government-commissioned Old Growth Review was to provide economic funding to these indigenous communities so they have some breathing room, so they do not have to choose between decimation of these last stands of ancient forests and economic resiliency.
Number six of the review was an immediate protection of most at-risk old-growth ecosystems to avoid the impacts of irreversible biodiversity loss. An old-growth forest is not a renewable resource.
What we need is immediate protection of high to medium functioning old-growth forests before they are lost forever.
The conflict I see arising within the Pacheedaht territory, where the band council chief has spoken out publicly against Fairy Creek blockade presence but the community is divided and unconsulted on the issue, seems reminiscent of a divide and conquer tactic that has been used for centuries [“March held in support of forest,” March 22]. If the province had not been dragging its feet on implementing number one and six of its review, this conflict could have been avoided. It is sad to see people who all care for the same thing pitted against each other; this was an avoidable situation.
Indigenous consultation should not be used as a tactic to fit industry and government agendas. There have been plenty of instances where First Nations’ voices have fallen to deaf ears when it comes to protection of their traditional lands.
I am looking on to see how the provincial government will deal with this dynamic, a dynamic that could have been avoided with proper communication, leadership and putting action to words.
Miel Creasey resides within the traditional territory of Tla'amin Nation.
