WILLIAMS LAKE ʹA series of investments by the governments of British Columbia and Canada will help the Tŝilhqot’in National Government strengthen climate resilience and emergency management for its people and communities.
The Province is providing $5 million to the dƒilhqot͛in National Government for an extensive feasibility study to determine the suite of emergency infrastructure required in the territory, which is located in the Chilcotin region of west-central British Columbia. Infrastructure, such as an emergency centre and evacuation and training centres, will be considered.
Tŝilhqot’in people were severly impacted by the Cariboo and Chilcotin wildfires of summer of 2017″, said Bowinn Ma, B.C’s Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.”
“In my opinion, the actions of Pasture to Plate and Rafter 25 Ranch show blatant disregard for the environment and the life it supports. All of Mr. Schellenberg’s federal and provincial licenses and
permits need to be reviewed and revoked. A person that could rip out kilometers of Chinook habitat in order to expand their hay field does not deserve to live and own property in such pristine area. This is a very sensitive area for Chinook populations – which are close to being listed as a Species at Risk. We have been working hard to enhance the chinook populations in the territory. Kilometers of destruction can’t be replicated in remediation. It could be thousands of years of evolution that he has wiped out.”
“This is not the first time this individual has been charged for damage to the environment. It appears he has no regard for the environment even though his business prized itself on caring for the natural ecosystem. We cannot have business as usual anymore. This must go further than a fine. We also must be directly involved in the reclamation of the damage done by Mr. Schellenberg.”
— Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse, O.B.C, LL.D. (hon.). Tribal Chair, Tŝilhqot’in National Government
“Both of these sites of environmental damage were directly in our back yard and in places that our people have harvested fish for centuries. Mr. Schellenberg restricted our people from fishing in their traditional fishing site and proceeded to fill it in so that he had more pasture area. It is clear to me that he has absolutely no respect for the environment or families he has impacted. Mr. Schellenberg also owns property on Puntzi Lake that is right next door to a fishing reserve that our people used for centuries. His actions directly impact the land and water. He should not be allowed to own property or land in our territory. He is not welcome here.”
— Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Otis Guichon, Vice-Chair, Tŝilhqot’in National Government
Myanna Desaulniers
Communications Manager
Tŝilhqot’in National Government
(250) 305-7885
myanna@tsilhqotin.ca
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