Thursday, March 28, 2024

Vancouver Island First Nation urge court to allow their participation in decision on Fairy Creek matters

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A Vancouver Island First Nation is ensuring it is participating in decision making about lands in which it has Treaty rights and interests regarding old-growth logging.

Huu-ay-aht First Nations is seeking leave to intervene in an appeal from the recent decision which saw the request for an extended injunction in Fairy Creek rejected.

In September, the Court refused to extend an injunction against interference with Teal Jones forestry operations in the Fairy Creek watershed and surrounding areas.

While Huu – ay -aht’s lands are not directly implicated in the protests, the Island First Nation wants to enforce their laws or rights with respect to land and resource use within their territories in order to provide a unique perspective to assist the court in its decision.

“I have a duty and responsibility as Chief Councillor of Huu-ay-aht First Nations to uphold and protect our Treaty rights, title, and interest across our ḥahuułi (traditional territory),” said Chief Councillor Robert J. Dennis Sr.

“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.”

Huu-ay-aht First Nations’ made it clear that they are not choosing a side, but are ensuring the Court recognizes their unique position in the decision making process.

Despite the rejection of the injunction extension in September, police have begun to reinforce a temporary injunction at sites of old-growth blockades in Fairy Creek.
Since Monday, RCMP arrested 15 old-growth logging protestors.

On October 8th, the BC Court of Appeal reinstated the injunction pending the outcome of an appeal brought forward by the Teal-Jones company who holds the license for logging in the area.

Teal-Jones’ appeal is scheduled for November 15th.

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