The Huu-ay-aht First Nations (Huu-ay-aht) is seeking leave to intervene in an injunction appeal from Teal Jones against interference with forestry operations in the Fairy Creek watershed.
Huu-ay-aht says its request to intervene in the appeal is not to support any particular side, but rather to ensure the Court is “aware of this unique position and the associated concerns of B.C. First Nations when attempting to exercise decision-making authority over forests and other resources within their Territories.”
Huu-ay-aht First Nation said in a statement that it has an interest in ensuring it is able to effectively manage and meaningfully participate in decision-making about lands and forests in which it has Treaty rights and interests.
The First Nation says that whether the Court restores the injunction or not, it needs to be able to rely upon the Courts in situations where First Nations want to enforce their laws or rights with respect to land and resource use within their Territories.
The Nation says it can provide a unique perspective in order to assist in the B.C. Supreme Court’s decisions.
“As a Modern Treaty Nation, Huu-ay-aht will decide what is best for our people. We will manage the lands and resources the way our ancestors did – guided by our sacred principles of ʔiisaak (utmost respect), ʔuuʔałuk (taking care of), and hišuk ma c̕awak (everything is one),” says Tayii Ḥaw̓ił ƛiišin (Head Hereditary Chief Derek Peters). “To inform our forestry and resource decisions, Huu-ay-aht has commenced a thorough two-year integrated resource management process. And, in the future, we may look to the Courts to protect and enforce our interests.”
Chief Councillor of Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Robert J. Dennis Sr., adds that he has a duty to protect the Treaty rights title and interest across their traditional territory as well.
“We believe we can assist the Court to understand the impact this decision may have for Huu-ay-aht’s ability to manage its lands and resources for the benefit of future generations.”
Mounties are once again enforcing a court injunction at an old-growth logging protest camp at Fairy Creek after the injunction order was reinstated earlier this month.
In a statement, BC RCMP says it has maintained a presence in the area of the Fairy Creek Watershed since a Sept. 28 court decision not to extend an injunction against blockades taking place there.
But now that the BC Court of Appeal ordered a stay of that decision and reinstated the injunction, RCMP are facing off with protesters again.
CHEK News
