from Ancestral Pride
Unceded Tseshaht First Nation Traditional Territory (October 1, 2014)
Effective October 2, 2014 at 3:00 am, all access to Tseshaht Traditional Territory via Gracie Main and Sterling Main Junction to Nahmint will be peacefully closed by Tseshaht members until further notice.
This peaceful road closure is necessary to protect the resources of Tseshaht First Nation for the next generations. The continued harvesting of timber and other resource extraction that does not recognize the required consent of Tseshaht First Nation cannot be allowed to continue.
Attempts that have been made to have the Tseshaht rights and title interests recognized and fully implemented in land use decision making by the Government of British Columbia have been rejected. This peaceful action is required to meet the generational responsibilities of Tseshaht membership.
This peaceful road closure will be in place until a respectful relationship with the Province of British Columbia for access to Tseshaht resources is reached and approved by the Tseshaht membership in exercise of our rights to free and prior informed consent.
We request that all industry use of this area between Gracie Main and Sterling Arm Junction and Nahmint please respect our peaceful road closure. No industry traffic will be allowed to access this part of our Territory and no trucks loaded with our timber will be allowed to leave until meaningful agreements have been made and accepted by Tseshaht membership. Other areas may be closed as needed.
Friends and supporters of Tseshaht are welcome to join and stand with the Tseshaht community and our ancestors in protection of our beautiful lands for the next seven generations.
A Caravan will be meeting at 2:30 AM at the Tseshaht Band Office. Rides will be available.
For media information please contact:
John Gomez
250-730-1344