BCAFN Celebrates World Water Day With The Tsilhqot’in Nation

(Lheidli T’enneh Territory, Prince George, BC – Mar. 22, 2019) – The British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) is celebrating World Water Day with the Tŝilhqot’in and other First Nations in Vancouver today. Chiefs and supporters are holding ceremonies and rallies in events during the day as they stand to protect this life sustaining resource. Many Canadians live their daily lives without safe water which contributes to their struggle to survive and thrive. In addition, First Nations’ attempts to protect and improve water on their territories are often ignored or treated with hostility. It is time to tackle the water crisis in Canada and confront the pressures and policies that are giving life to and prolonging the issue.

“First Nations are deeply concerned for our water sources, and every living thing that depends on these waters, in our territories. We have been persistently experiencing resistance from government and industry to listen to our words and address the ongoing environmental injustices,” states Regional Chief Terry Teegee. “We are sounding the alarm to protect water as a precious resource in a rapidly changing world where we stand to lose everything.”

Significantly, for a decade the Tŝilhqot’in Nation have been rigorously opposing the Taseko New Prosperity mining project, located 185 kilometers southwest of Williams Lake, to protect Teztan Biny (Fish Lake). With two rejections of this proposal by the Federal Government the Tŝilhqot’in continue to face this direct threat to their place of ceremony and healing, and to their culture.

For further information, contact:
Annette Schroeter, Communications Officer, phone (250)962-1603, BC Assembly of First Nations.

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