Kelowna, BC
September 12, 2003
We, the assembled treaty, non-treaty and non-aligned nations from across British Columbia speak with one voice to say:
1. We will stand united in the face of threats by the provincial Crown and resource industries to our Aboriginal Title and Aboriginal and Treaty Rights.
2. Only the First Nations of BC can provide the certainty that the provincial Crown and resource industries are seeking. Until proper accommodation occurs neither businesses nor their investors will have the certainty they seek.
3. We will work together to protect the well being of our land, water and air by developing and implementing a coordinated and integrated Action Plan to exercise First Nation interests in the lands and resources of our territories.
4. We will use legal, financial and political opportunities to protect the integrity of the land and resources and advance Aboriginal Title and Aboriginal and Treaty Rights including:
�����Legal challenges to the constitutionality of tenures and forestry legislation;
�����Informing investors that BC is not open for business until First Nations have been dealt with honourably;
�����Continuing to exercise our Aboriginal Title and Aboriginal and Treaty Rights on our land; and
�����Building alliances amongst First Nation organizations and with like-minded supporters.
5. We seek reconciliation with the provincial Crown. The terms of engagement for beginning this process include:
�����Jurisdiction over allocation and management decisions (at least equal decision-making authority;
�����Compensation for past activities;
�����Revenue-sharing;
�����Exclusive use and occupation of specified areas within our traditional territories; and
�����Openness/fairness and accommodation of First Nations in forestry and range law and policy changes.