The British Columbia Supreme Court has ruled the Okanagan Nation Alliance, representing seven First Nations, cannot interfere in Tolko Industries timber harvesting operations on the west side of Lake Okanagan. However, the court also ruled that Tolko logging will have restrictions and the company must first conduct archaeological studies on traditional lands.
Tolko has been granted access to harvest 8 cutblocks at Browns Creek on the west side of Okanagan Lake, as long as archaeological evidence is protected. The ONA, whose mandate is to protect Okanagan Title, rights and lands, established camps at Browns Creek to gather archaeological evidence and prevent logging on lands still used for traditional activities.
The court ruling also states that Tolko must consult with ONA on archaeological assessment and ONA will participate in on-ground assessment of the land with an archaeologist.
View January 19, 2010 Merritt Herald press release
View February 4, 2010 Kelowna Daily Courier press release
View February 6, 2010 Indigenous Peoples Issues and Resources press release
View March 1, 2010 Digital Journal article
Source: Indigenous Peoples Issues and Resources, Merritt Herald |