While they aren't saying very much about the details, or giving any kind of indication as to how it may all work out, the Prince Rupert Port Authority is expressing a bit of optimism that the negotiations with the Metlakatla First Nation are progressing forward.
The Port's impressions of the pace of discussion seems to tie into that of Metlkatla's, that after the First Nation community's leaders expressed optimism in a successful resolution to their concerns, perhaps as early as the end of this year.
The Daily News outlined the Port's position in Wednesday's paper.
Port shares Metlakatla's optimism over an agreement
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Pages one and three
The Prince Rupert Port Authority is staying mum over the details of negotiations between the Metlakatla First Nation band and the port, though the general sentiment is that they are optimistic an agreement will be reached.
How soon is another matter, as the PRPA would not be pinned down on definitives, but according to PRPA's Director of Communications Barry Bartlett, the port is feeling good about the negotiations moving forward.
"Generally, our position on that is that the PRPA is in a discussion with the Coast Tsimshian and we remain optimistic that we can reach an agreement that is mutually beneficial," said Bartlett.
Bartlett said that because the discussion was still ongoing the port would remain working quietly.
Metlakatla and Lax Kw'alaams, known collectively as Coast Tsimshian, have been in litigation with the federal government since 2005 when they considered the federal government failed to consult with them when it approved Phase 1 of the Fairview Terminal Expansion.
The bands have concerns about Phase two of the port expansion because they fear it will disrupt archeological remains that prove the Coast Tsimshian have been on Kaien Island for 5,000 years.
Numerous archaeologists including Dr. George MacDonald, OC, founding director of the Canadian Museum of Civilization and director of the Bill Reid Centre at Simon Fraser University, said archaeological sites at Prince Rupert harbour are unique on the West Coast of North America in terms of the volume of middens, cultural artifacts, and human remains.
Since the beginning of litigation, the port has been in discussion with the Coast Tsimshian seeking an agreement that would include environmental concerns, employment opportunities and archeological protection.
On Monday, Metlakatla chief Harold Leighton reported that he expected an agreement between the port and Metlakatla to be reached by the end of the year. When pressed, Bartlett remained firm that he could not divulge the port's view at this time.
"The negotiations are about their (Metlakatla's) expectations but we really can't comment on that at this time," repeated Bartlett.
Showing posts with label Metlakatla issues. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Metlakatla issues. Show all posts
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Metlakatla optimistic that settlement with Port could come before the New Year
Only a few issues apparently stand in the way of a final settlement agreement between the Metlakatla Band and the Prince Rupert Port Authority.
The elected chief of Metlakatla Harold Leighton has updated the discussion stage thus far by suggesting that he is hopeful that all of the remaining issues will be addressed before the end of December.
Still unresolved between the two sides is the question of the environmental impact of the Ports phase two plans on the Metlakatla band, one of the key issues that has framed the debate for the bulk of this year.
Leighton outlined the situation thus far and his hopes for a settlement soon as part of an article in Monday's Daily News.
Metlakatla hopeful of progress
Band is expecting to move forward in talks with port authority
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Monday, November 24, 2008
Page one
Metlakatla elected chief Harold Leighton says he is optimistic there will be a settlement deal in place between the Metlakatla band and the Prince Rupert Port Authority by the end of the year.
Leighton made the comments after Prince Rupert Port Authority president and CEO Don Krusel met with the Metlakatla band on Tuesday during the band's annual general meeting.
Leighton said that while the process is really slow right now, there is a framework for a settlement that will hopefully guide the negotiations on settlement by the end of 2008.
"We have a settlement agreement that has actually been drafted but what goes into the agreement there is still some issues that are outstanding," said Leighton.
Issues still needing to be addressed include environmental questions over phase two over the port expansion.
Also on the table at the AGM was discussion about the recently signed protocol agreement reached by Metlakatla and other First Nations bands along with the City of Prince Rupert and the District of Port Edward.
Leighton mentioned that increasingly recognizing Tsimshian names for land, lakes and mountains is a key concern for Metlakatla, as it is with many First Nation bands.
"Recognizing the territory - whose territory it is when you enter the city, that's on the agenda of communities and municipalities and it's also an issue that is being dealt with by municipalities at treaty negotiation tables," said Leighton.
He said it was really important to recognize the historical importance of traditional geographical names.
"It's been always a priority of the Elders that we bring those names back," said Leighton.
The elected chief of Metlakatla Harold Leighton has updated the discussion stage thus far by suggesting that he is hopeful that all of the remaining issues will be addressed before the end of December.
Still unresolved between the two sides is the question of the environmental impact of the Ports phase two plans on the Metlakatla band, one of the key issues that has framed the debate for the bulk of this year.
Leighton outlined the situation thus far and his hopes for a settlement soon as part of an article in Monday's Daily News.
Metlakatla hopeful of progress
Band is expecting to move forward in talks with port authority
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Monday, November 24, 2008
Page one
Metlakatla elected chief Harold Leighton says he is optimistic there will be a settlement deal in place between the Metlakatla band and the Prince Rupert Port Authority by the end of the year.
Leighton made the comments after Prince Rupert Port Authority president and CEO Don Krusel met with the Metlakatla band on Tuesday during the band's annual general meeting.
Leighton said that while the process is really slow right now, there is a framework for a settlement that will hopefully guide the negotiations on settlement by the end of 2008.
"We have a settlement agreement that has actually been drafted but what goes into the agreement there is still some issues that are outstanding," said Leighton.
Issues still needing to be addressed include environmental questions over phase two over the port expansion.
Also on the table at the AGM was discussion about the recently signed protocol agreement reached by Metlakatla and other First Nations bands along with the City of Prince Rupert and the District of Port Edward.
Leighton mentioned that increasingly recognizing Tsimshian names for land, lakes and mountains is a key concern for Metlakatla, as it is with many First Nation bands.
"Recognizing the territory - whose territory it is when you enter the city, that's on the agenda of communities and municipalities and it's also an issue that is being dealt with by municipalities at treaty negotiation tables," said Leighton.
He said it was really important to recognize the historical importance of traditional geographical names.
"It's been always a priority of the Elders that we bring those names back," said Leighton.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Fire protection and housing concerns leave one Metlakatla resident upset
The Daily News from Wednesday August 26th provided a look at the worries of one resident of Metlakatla, who was less than impressed with the Band Council’s handling of her housing situation and her concerns over fire protection.
The story was featured as the Daily’s front page headline article for the day.
METLAKATLA RESIDENT DEMANDS FIRE DEPARTMENT REINSTATEMENT
Two fires to her home in one week has local resident concerned
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Pages one and three
A Metlakatla woman claims two fires that erupted in her home in less then one week were very preventable.
Lori Bryant said on Tuesday that damage caused by the fires – one in her kitchen and the first one in her seventh-month old son’s room – could have been dealt with faster if she had a smoke detector in her house and it he fire department in the village was operational.
“This is the first time our fire department has been out of commission in ten-plus years,” Bryant said. “Are we supposed to put out a burning house with buckets?’
Bryant, who is also a volunteer fire fighter, said the Metlakatla band policy, which she says is allegedly creating unnecessary red tape in order to keep the fire department closed.
Bryant claimed the band council told her that the fire truck could be run only once a week so that they could perform practices.
That promise was contingent on the availability of the one person in the village with a Class 5 license.
If he is not there, they can’t use the truck at all – even for emergency situations.
The First Nations Emergency Services gave village members free fire fighting training, which included training on the truck, but Bryant said they haven’t been able to put it to use.
Compounding her worries were two fires in her home that went undetected until they damaged her home.
She said that’s because she doesn’t have a fire detector, something she said many homes in Metlakatla are deprived of.
On the evening of July 31, a small fire broke out in her son’s room but it went unnoticed by Bryant because there was no smoke detector in her room.
“I went up to my son’s room and the wall by the heater was black. I said to myself: ‘what the hell is that,’ Bryant said of her ordeal.
“I turned the heater off and I phoned the band office on Friday morning about the fire and there was nothing the band could do anywhere on a Friday.
“So, I had to wait all weekend in my house.”
Bryant doesn’t use the heater in her home during the day and only turns it on at night to keep her son warm; who was born with a collapsed lung and a broken rib. Because the heater was the cause of the first fire, she was unable to warm her home during the weekend.
Then, on Aug. 3, while cooking a salmon dish on her stove, the stove caught fire, engulfing her entire kitchen and leaving the room unusable.
She was able to get her son and herself out before help arrived.
When they did, she was asked to go over to the firehouse and retrieve her fire gear to help put the fire out.
Bryant said it’s time the Metlakatla council did something about it.
“Because it is a band-owned house and I just rent from them they are liable to fix it,” Bryant said
Bryant claims that she had approached band council several times on the issue, but hasn’t been able to come up with any solutions with either Chief Harold Leighton or band manager Fran Reece.
On August 21 she approached band council again to discuss the matter but she was told to write a letter to council.
“Why couldn’t they have told me this on August 4? I still have bugs crawling in and out of my house because there is a hole in my kitchen wall from where the fan used to be. That needs to be fixed.”
Bryant had lived away from Metlakatla for 12 years and only recently moved back. She returned to Metlakatla to raise a family but given her living conditions is seriously considering moving away again.
The Metlakatla leadership has not allayed one of fears and wonders if they will ever be dealt with.
Metlakatla band council chief Harold Leighton could not be reached for comment before the deadline.
The story was featured as the Daily’s front page headline article for the day.
METLAKATLA RESIDENT DEMANDS FIRE DEPARTMENT REINSTATEMENT
Two fires to her home in one week has local resident concerned
By George T. Baker
The Daily News
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Pages one and three
A Metlakatla woman claims two fires that erupted in her home in less then one week were very preventable.
Lori Bryant said on Tuesday that damage caused by the fires – one in her kitchen and the first one in her seventh-month old son’s room – could have been dealt with faster if she had a smoke detector in her house and it he fire department in the village was operational.
“This is the first time our fire department has been out of commission in ten-plus years,” Bryant said. “Are we supposed to put out a burning house with buckets?’
Bryant, who is also a volunteer fire fighter, said the Metlakatla band policy, which she says is allegedly creating unnecessary red tape in order to keep the fire department closed.
Bryant claimed the band council told her that the fire truck could be run only once a week so that they could perform practices.
That promise was contingent on the availability of the one person in the village with a Class 5 license.
If he is not there, they can’t use the truck at all – even for emergency situations.
The First Nations Emergency Services gave village members free fire fighting training, which included training on the truck, but Bryant said they haven’t been able to put it to use.
Compounding her worries were two fires in her home that went undetected until they damaged her home.
She said that’s because she doesn’t have a fire detector, something she said many homes in Metlakatla are deprived of.
On the evening of July 31, a small fire broke out in her son’s room but it went unnoticed by Bryant because there was no smoke detector in her room.
“I went up to my son’s room and the wall by the heater was black. I said to myself: ‘what the hell is that,’ Bryant said of her ordeal.
“I turned the heater off and I phoned the band office on Friday morning about the fire and there was nothing the band could do anywhere on a Friday.
“So, I had to wait all weekend in my house.”
Bryant doesn’t use the heater in her home during the day and only turns it on at night to keep her son warm; who was born with a collapsed lung and a broken rib. Because the heater was the cause of the first fire, she was unable to warm her home during the weekend.
Then, on Aug. 3, while cooking a salmon dish on her stove, the stove caught fire, engulfing her entire kitchen and leaving the room unusable.
She was able to get her son and herself out before help arrived.
When they did, she was asked to go over to the firehouse and retrieve her fire gear to help put the fire out.
Bryant said it’s time the Metlakatla council did something about it.
“Because it is a band-owned house and I just rent from them they are liable to fix it,” Bryant said
Bryant claims that she had approached band council several times on the issue, but hasn’t been able to come up with any solutions with either Chief Harold Leighton or band manager Fran Reece.
On August 21 she approached band council again to discuss the matter but she was told to write a letter to council.
“Why couldn’t they have told me this on August 4? I still have bugs crawling in and out of my house because there is a hole in my kitchen wall from where the fan used to be. That needs to be fixed.”
Bryant had lived away from Metlakatla for 12 years and only recently moved back. She returned to Metlakatla to raise a family but given her living conditions is seriously considering moving away again.
The Metlakatla leadership has not allayed one of fears and wonders if they will ever be dealt with.
Metlakatla band council chief Harold Leighton could not be reached for comment before the deadline.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Alliance of First Nations forms to support Coast Tsimshian in container port dispute
Alliance of First Nation forms to support Coast Tsimshian in container port dispute
The Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams First Nations are receiving support from First nation groups across the region, as they continue with their plans to seek out a settlement from the Federal Government and Prince Rupert Port Authority over their outstanding issues of consultation and accommodation.
The situation recently came back to prominence with a statement from the two First Nations that they would not allow Phase one of the soon to be container port to be begin operation, until they were satisfied with the resolution of their concerns.
The Daily News featured the latest developments on the front page of Thursday’s paper.
OTHER FIRST NATIONS GET BEHIND COAST TSIMSHIAN
Representatives from across region say talks must be started up again
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Pages one and three
An alliance of Coastal First Nations have thrown their support behind Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla and are calling on the federal government to resume its discussions with the Coast Tsimshian on the Prince Rupert Port expansion.
“We fully support the Coast Tsimshian on this issue,” said Art Sterrit, executive director of the Coastal First Nations. “There is no question of the existence of the rights and interests of all the Coastal First Nations and particularly those people closest to the project. The Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla First Nations have been reasonable in their position with the federal government on the port expansion. We fully support and we support them in their objective of having ensuring that their social, environmental and economic concerns are met before the project can proceeds.”
The Coastal First Nations recently passed a resolution to support the Coast Tsmishian, in their support, the alliance of Coastal First Nations noted “That they strongly support the actions of Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams in regard to the issues related to the development of the Port of Prince Rupert, and further more, have resolved to commit to become actively involved in the development and implementation of an action plan, including with meeting in Prince Rupert to provide our support to the two First Nations on this issue,”
The Coast Tsimshian have asked the federal government to meet its duty of consultation and accommodation in respect to the Fairview Terminal expansion, Garry Reece, chief councilor for the Lax Kw’alaams Band said. “There has been no progress or consultation and the federal government cannot sweep this under the rug.”
“We will not allow Phase 1 to commence operations unless our concerns have been addressed,” added Harold Leighton, chief councilor for Metlakatla.
While the Prince Rupert Port Authority said the federal government has made an offer worth 7.5 million and concluded consultations for Phase 1, the two First Nations say the agreement does not recognize their aboriginal rights and title and does not meet the standards of consultation and accommodation.
The issue is currently before the Federal Court of Canada.
“The federal Federal Government of Canada has steadfastly refused to properly or adequately engage First Nations in the planning or development of the mega-port already in progress in Prince Rupert, and they must return to the table with the Coast Tsimshian,” said Guujaaw, president of the Coastal First Nations and the Council of the Haida nation.
“We’re urging the federal government to return to the negotiating table. At this stage of the development, the involvement of the First Nations will make for a better project,” said Guujaaw.
He noted that the increase in traffic alone will impact the lives of Coastal First Nations.
“Compounded with the prospect of bilge, waste and ballast discharge introducing foreign organisms and hydrocarbons into these waters are matters that we should all be concerned with. Consider an increase of traffic with weak and antiquated maritime laws and the fact that Canada has been dismantling it’s navigational aids over the past decade and consider the social impacts of a mega port, and you will know why this project cannot be designed by economics alone,’ said Guujaaw.
Sterritt noted there is a rapid increase in developments on the North Coast and said there are concerns about the cumulative impacts that the port project and other developments will have on the environment.
“The Coastal First Nations want to state very clearly we will not stand back and have our environmental and economic concerns ignored,” he said.
The Coast First Nations are an alliance of First Nations on British Columbia’s North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii. Communities include the Wuikinuxv Nation, Heiltsuk, Kitassoo/Xaixais, Gitga’at, Haisla, Metlkatla, Homalco, Old Massett, Skidegate and the Council of the Haida Nation,
The Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams First Nations are receiving support from First nation groups across the region, as they continue with their plans to seek out a settlement from the Federal Government and Prince Rupert Port Authority over their outstanding issues of consultation and accommodation.
The situation recently came back to prominence with a statement from the two First Nations that they would not allow Phase one of the soon to be container port to be begin operation, until they were satisfied with the resolution of their concerns.
The Daily News featured the latest developments on the front page of Thursday’s paper.
OTHER FIRST NATIONS GET BEHIND COAST TSIMSHIAN
Representatives from across region say talks must be started up again
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Pages one and three
An alliance of Coastal First Nations have thrown their support behind Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla and are calling on the federal government to resume its discussions with the Coast Tsimshian on the Prince Rupert Port expansion.
“We fully support the Coast Tsimshian on this issue,” said Art Sterrit, executive director of the Coastal First Nations. “There is no question of the existence of the rights and interests of all the Coastal First Nations and particularly those people closest to the project. The Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla First Nations have been reasonable in their position with the federal government on the port expansion. We fully support and we support them in their objective of having ensuring that their social, environmental and economic concerns are met before the project can proceeds.”
The Coastal First Nations recently passed a resolution to support the Coast Tsmishian, in their support, the alliance of Coastal First Nations noted “That they strongly support the actions of Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams in regard to the issues related to the development of the Port of Prince Rupert, and further more, have resolved to commit to become actively involved in the development and implementation of an action plan, including with meeting in Prince Rupert to provide our support to the two First Nations on this issue,”
The Coast Tsimshian have asked the federal government to meet its duty of consultation and accommodation in respect to the Fairview Terminal expansion, Garry Reece, chief councilor for the Lax Kw’alaams Band said. “There has been no progress or consultation and the federal government cannot sweep this under the rug.”
“We will not allow Phase 1 to commence operations unless our concerns have been addressed,” added Harold Leighton, chief councilor for Metlakatla.
While the Prince Rupert Port Authority said the federal government has made an offer worth 7.5 million and concluded consultations for Phase 1, the two First Nations say the agreement does not recognize their aboriginal rights and title and does not meet the standards of consultation and accommodation.
The issue is currently before the Federal Court of Canada.
“The federal Federal Government of Canada has steadfastly refused to properly or adequately engage First Nations in the planning or development of the mega-port already in progress in Prince Rupert, and they must return to the table with the Coast Tsimshian,” said Guujaaw, president of the Coastal First Nations and the Council of the Haida nation.
“We’re urging the federal government to return to the negotiating table. At this stage of the development, the involvement of the First Nations will make for a better project,” said Guujaaw.
He noted that the increase in traffic alone will impact the lives of Coastal First Nations.
“Compounded with the prospect of bilge, waste and ballast discharge introducing foreign organisms and hydrocarbons into these waters are matters that we should all be concerned with. Consider an increase of traffic with weak and antiquated maritime laws and the fact that Canada has been dismantling it’s navigational aids over the past decade and consider the social impacts of a mega port, and you will know why this project cannot be designed by economics alone,’ said Guujaaw.
Sterritt noted there is a rapid increase in developments on the North Coast and said there are concerns about the cumulative impacts that the port project and other developments will have on the environment.
“The Coastal First Nations want to state very clearly we will not stand back and have our environmental and economic concerns ignored,” he said.
The Coast First Nations are an alliance of First Nations on British Columbia’s North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii. Communities include the Wuikinuxv Nation, Heiltsuk, Kitassoo/Xaixais, Gitga’at, Haisla, Metlkatla, Homalco, Old Massett, Skidegate and the Council of the Haida Nation,
Friday, February 02, 2007
Metlkatala makes plans for the future and shares the details with the neighbours
An informal group known as the Prince Rupert Stakeholders traveled to Metlakatla last week, to share ideas and learn more about what the Metlakatla Band Council has planned for their territory for the present and near future.
The Daily News provided a synopsis of the day’s events and how the information sharing sessions progressed.
STAKEHOLDERS GATHER IN METLAKATLA\
The Daily News
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Pages one and two
Last week, the Metlakatla Band Council welcomed and hosted the Prince Rupert Stakeholders monthly meeting in Metlakatla.
Metlakatla extended the invitation as a means to build positive relations with the Prince Rupert service providers and to update the group on the current activities of the Metlakatla First Nation.
The stakeholders represent an informal group of Prince Rupert and region service providers and local politicians who meet to share information in order to reduce possible duplication of programs and services as well as to create partnerships within the communities.
The Metlakatla venue provided an opportunity for each of the participating organizations to meet the Metlakatla Band Council and administrative executives.
“It was excellent. We were well hosted, fed a fabulous meal ... some people had never been to Metlakatla and they were absolutely blown away,” said Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond.
Each participant shared with the group their respective organization’s current affairs and further expressed openness for greater Metlakatla participation.
Harold Leighton, Chief Councillor of Metlakatla, spoke briefly on a few of the Nation’s activities.
He described Metlakatla as being a proactive community, involved in a wide range of economic and political development activities.
The federal Conservatives have recently committed $30 million toward preserving the integrity of B.C.’s Great Bear Rainforest. A part of this funding is earmarked for economic development for the Coastal First Nations. By way of the Turning Point Initiative, Metlakatla will directly benefit from capacity building support and funding for sustainable economic development projects.
In his final comments, Leighton explained Metlakatla involvement in the treaty process, implementation of marine and land use plans conducted with the Province of British Columbia and activities of the Metlakatla Development Corporation that will have an impact on the region. As such, relationships with neighbors are important. The overall message shared by Leighton was Metlakatla is a willing partner open to positive business and service-provider relationships.
Maynard Angus, representing Community Futures Development Corporation closed the meeting with a recommendation for continued dialogue between the organizations where both the service providers and the communities can benefit from each other. As well, he encouraged ongoing participation with the Metlakatla First Nation.
“We (Leighton and I) talked about how it would be good for Prince Rupert city council to come out when their council is having a meeting and continue the dialogue,” said Pond.
The Daily News provided a synopsis of the day’s events and how the information sharing sessions progressed.
STAKEHOLDERS GATHER IN METLAKATLA\
The Daily News
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Pages one and two
Last week, the Metlakatla Band Council welcomed and hosted the Prince Rupert Stakeholders monthly meeting in Metlakatla.
Metlakatla extended the invitation as a means to build positive relations with the Prince Rupert service providers and to update the group on the current activities of the Metlakatla First Nation.
The stakeholders represent an informal group of Prince Rupert and region service providers and local politicians who meet to share information in order to reduce possible duplication of programs and services as well as to create partnerships within the communities.
The Metlakatla venue provided an opportunity for each of the participating organizations to meet the Metlakatla Band Council and administrative executives.
“It was excellent. We were well hosted, fed a fabulous meal ... some people had never been to Metlakatla and they were absolutely blown away,” said Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond.
Each participant shared with the group their respective organization’s current affairs and further expressed openness for greater Metlakatla participation.
Harold Leighton, Chief Councillor of Metlakatla, spoke briefly on a few of the Nation’s activities.
He described Metlakatla as being a proactive community, involved in a wide range of economic and political development activities.
The federal Conservatives have recently committed $30 million toward preserving the integrity of B.C.’s Great Bear Rainforest. A part of this funding is earmarked for economic development for the Coastal First Nations. By way of the Turning Point Initiative, Metlakatla will directly benefit from capacity building support and funding for sustainable economic development projects.
In his final comments, Leighton explained Metlakatla involvement in the treaty process, implementation of marine and land use plans conducted with the Province of British Columbia and activities of the Metlakatla Development Corporation that will have an impact on the region. As such, relationships with neighbors are important. The overall message shared by Leighton was Metlakatla is a willing partner open to positive business and service-provider relationships.
Maynard Angus, representing Community Futures Development Corporation closed the meeting with a recommendation for continued dialogue between the organizations where both the service providers and the communities can benefit from each other. As well, he encouraged ongoing participation with the Metlakatla First Nation.
“We (Leighton and I) talked about how it would be good for Prince Rupert city council to come out when their council is having a meeting and continue the dialogue,” said Pond.
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