Johnston Creek lies in the traditional territory of the Oweekeno Nation.
The Oweekeno elected Band Council as well as the inter-tribal council to which they belong is opposed to FAN enaging in civil disobedience in their traditional territory. Percy Walkus, Oweekeno Band Council-appointed Forestry Coordinator states in a letter to FAN that "no confrontational activity for environmental purposes will be tolerated by the Oweekeno Nation within Oweekeno Traditional Territory."
FAN feels that Johnston Creek is an area of critical global importance, and so we are here to bear witness to the clearcutting of this ancient rainforest in order to let the world see exactly what Interfor is doing.
FAN has a five year history of working with sovereign First Nations to help protect their traditional territory, including:
We have recently reaffirmed our protocol with 10 of the Nuxalk Nation hereditary chiefs, and will continue that working relationship as long as we are invited by Head Hereditary Chief Nuximlayc (Lawrence Pootlass).
It is based on our experiences with First Nations people, and our commitment to this rainforest and all its creatures, that we have taken the decision to bear witness to the destructoin of Johnston Creek.
Unfortunately the elected leadership of the Oweekeno Nation have taken the position that the destruction of their territory by Interfor is acceptable.
In 1997 the inter-tribal council received a cheque for $20,000 from BC Forest Minister David Zirnhelt to write an anti-environmental protocol denouncing any environmental group who wished to protect the Great Bear Rainforest. Many First Nations people have been critical of this protocol, including Hereditary Chiefs of the Nuxalk Nation. The Oweekeno elected council is currently negotiating a 'co-management deal' with Interfor whereby they will not oppose the clearcutting of their territory in return for a few jobs. As an environmental group dedicated to protecting the worlds last great coastal temperate rainforest, FAN has no choice but to oppose the Oweekeno's position on clearcut logging.
FAN has made a number of attempts to meet with Oweekeno elders and
hereditary chiefs, whom we believe are the true leaders and stewards
of the land, but as of yet, we have not had the opportunity to hear
their opinion. FAN does not speak on behalf of the Oweekeno. If you
would like specific information on the Band Council's position,
please call them directly at (250) 949-2107.
The following is FAN's policy on indigenous peoples:
FAN supports struggles for sovereignty and the right to self-determination of all indigenous peoples where respect for the land is an intrinsic part of their sovereignty. FAN does not support initiatives which potentially undermine the rights and sovereignty of indigenous peoples such as the BC Treaty Process (which aims to extinguish the rights of First Nations people to most of their land). FAN seeks to work with elders and hereditary chiefs whom we believe are the traditional stewards of the land.