The Tseshaht First Nation will close the resource road to Nahmint at 3 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014 to protest the lack of consultation prior to resource extraction in unceded Tseshaht traditional territory.
"Effective Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014 at 3 a.m., 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," a press release from the Tseshaht First Nation noted.
"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," the release noted.
Tseshaht Chief Councillor Hugh Braker was unavailable for comment.
The release further stated "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."
No industry traffic will be allowed to access the road to Nahmint "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."
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