First Nations from the north are banding together to protect their lands from rapid industrial development. A press release from three First Nations, including the Haida, says " The Nations of Northern BC will stand with those who step forward to protect their lands and waters. New development in our territories will only proceed with our free, prior and informed consent."
The declaration was read on the steps of the courthouse in Terrace on Monday and was sparked by the arrests last month of several Tahltan Nation elders after they blockaded a logging road into the headwaters of the Nass, Skeena and Stikine rivers. A large open-pit coal mine is planned for that area.
"As our lands face continuing assault, we will need each other as never before," said Guujaaw, president of the Council of the Haida Nation.