MARCH
Skeetchestn calls for day of action
The Skeetchestn Indian Band called on all BC First Nations and Indian Bands to join them on March 7 and consider peaceful service disruptions for those corporations that benefit from the use of their lands without meaningful consultation.
“We’ve made it clear in correspondence with (the companies) that due to their relentless activities on our lands, we have little choice but to act,” said Skeetchestn Chief Rick Deneault. “We told them that as the issue was the survival of our community, our community would stand up.”
The companies and corporations are West Fraser Mills, Teck Resources Ltd., BC Hydro, Canadian National, Pembina Pipeline Corporation, Spectra Energy, International Forest Products, and Canadian Pacific.
Four of the companies responded, saying they would like to open dialogue: Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, Spectra Energy and International Forest Products.
A week later, the band called off its “peaceful service disruption” after it had received offers to meet with seven of the eight companies. The only company he said hasn’t responded was Teck, which operates the Highland Valley Copper mine.
Porter re-elected Bonaparte Chief
Bonaparte Chief Terry Porter was re-elected to his second term after March 6 elections. Porter held his seat against former councillor Keith Zabotel and Frank Antoine.
Seventeen candidates ran for eight seats on Council. Incumbent councillors Dave Antoine, Neal Antoine, Kris Billy, Nina Minnabarriet and Matilda Morgan will be joined on Council by Violet Antoine, Gerald Etienne, Sr. and Bert William. Former councillors Jenny Allen and Tom Basil also ran but were not re-elected.
CCES included in restructuring talks
At a special meeting on March 7, the Gold Trail Board of Education voted to amend the motion for school closure consultation to community consultation which will include Cache Creek.
Over 60 people attended the meeting, most of them members of the public, but many SD 74 staff members and local politicians, including MLA Harry Lali.
Administration will conduct the consultation, but will have to finish by next January if they wish make a recommendation under the school closure policy.
NASA coming to Clinton
NASA gathered the community together on March 18 to tell them about the MARSLIFE Project - a research project planned for Kelly Lake using remotely operated vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles and submersibles, to view microbialite structures, similar to those found in Pavilion Lake.
The Pavilion Lake Research Project, a joint project of the Canadian Space Agency and NASA, has been actively studying the structures in Pavilion Lake over the last seven years.
Microbialite structures provide a modern analogue to ancient fossilised microbialites preserved on Earth. Studying how these modern structures form and are preserved in the rock record will provide tools to identify signatures of ancient life on our own and other planets.
Electronic Council attendance an issue
Cache Creek Council will have another look at the amendments it made it its Procedure Bylaw last August, with respect to electronic attendance.
Coun. Ida Makaro, who voted against the amendment, brought the issue back to the table and voiced her opposition again to electronic attendance.
“I’m not in favour of attending meetings through electronic means unless it is absolutely, absolutely necesssary,” she said.
She wanted to see the bylaw specify reasons for electronic attendance.
“I think it’s wrong to do it all the time,” she said, “but situations do come up where it’s not possible to be at a meeting.”
Reconsideration was given to the Bylaw at the May 24 meeting where it was approved again without changes.
Over $7,000 raised for Japan
The Japan Earthquake/Tsunami Relief Fundraiser on March 24 in the Ashcroft Community Hall was an overwhelming success!
About 150 people attended the Community Potluck Fundraiser for the victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. There was tons of food, native dance performers and vocal performers.
Volunteers raised $7,057.62 for the Red Cross Japan Earthquake/Tsunami Relief.