The Melvin Creek/Cayoosh Mountain Resort Proposal
by NGR (Nancy Greene Raine)Resorts Consultants Inc.
has been rejected by the BC Environment Assessment Office.
Press Release
St'át'imc Territory
May 15, 2020
“To our friends and allies, our hearts are filled
with deep gratitude,” stated Qwalqwálten (Garry John), who is spokesperson for
Sútikalh. He spoke from his home in Tsal’álh of St’át’imc Territory. Qwalqwálten
has served as the former Chair and Spokesperson for the St'at'imc Chiefs Council
and has also filled the role as elected Chief for Tsal’álh. He described
how the St’át’imc learned yesterday of the decision by the BC Provincial Assessment
Office to cancel the certificate of Al Raine and Nancy Greene-Raine for their
proposed ski resort at Sútikalh (Melvin Creek) in the middle of St’át’imc Territory.
The move to protect this sacred area known as Sútikalh,
home of the Winter Spirit, from the proposed development began over twenty
years ago. A small group of St’át’imc people began the work of protecting Sútikalh
with the placement of tobacco into a sacred fire which has been kept burning
since that day.
The St'át'imc Nation supported the movement as word
spread around the world and as allies and advocates answered the call for
providing support on this critical concern. “After twenty years of extensive
efforts, to the Province of British Columbia and the Canadian Government, we
can only ask why it has taken so long for the message to be heard?” said Qwalqwálten.
In the Declaration of the Lillooet Tribe, May 10, 1911, our St’át’imc Chiefs
stated, "We claim that we are the rightful owners of the territory and
everything pertaining thereto". Our St’át’imc people and leadership have
continuously upheld our unceded title to our territory and this is the basis of
our position in relation to all lands in the territory including Sútikalh.
The gratitude we hold for all of the people that
have supported our cause is immeasurable and there are so many individuals and
groups to whom we extend our heartfelt gratitude to for their support, tireless
efforts, and commitment. Over these two decades, we have laid many strong
warriors and supporters to rest. They did not live to see the results of their
good work on this struggle and we continue to keep all of them in our prayers
to this day. We have made it this far because of the deep resolve of so many toward
saving these sacred lands from destruction.
For further information, please contact:
Rosalin Edmonds (604) 894-2400
Garry John (250) 256-9022
We want to say "Thank You" to everyone who supported us in our efforts to ensure Sutikalh remains in a pristine condition for generations into the future.
