FNs Offer Alternative to Softwood Lumber Tariff Stalemate

FP Staff

Vancouver, B.C.-At least a dozen Indian tribes from across the province met with the Union of B.C. Chiefs in mid-August to discuss increasing aboriginal participation in the forestry industry based on their aboriginal proprietary interests.

Indigenous Network on Economies and Trade (INET) presented his submission made earlier in the month to the U.S. Department of Commerce on behalf of American and Canadian tribes.

The document argued for the reallocation of tenure to Indian tribes in Canada who have "been strategically excluded from the forest industry and have not received any remuneration for the resources taken from their traditional territories."

"Canada's policies regarding the non-recognition of aboriginal and treaty rights does not only violate the constitution and the direction of the Supreme Court of Canada, it also violates international trade law. A long-term solution to the softwood lumber dispute has to involve Indian tribes."

Manuel also argued that returning land tenure to Aboriginal people would lead to the diversification of tenure required to solve the on-going dispute between the Canadian and U.S. government's on softwood lumber tariffs.

"Indigenous forest management will lead to more economically and environmentally sustainable use of the resource," he said.

The B.C tribes agreed to continue working with U.S. tribes in order to capitalize on their experiences.

Manuel said the U.S. tribes have in turn pledged their support for the struggle of aboriginal people in Canada to have their aboriginal rights and economies in order to strengthen their communities and develop viable trading relationships.

Union of B.C. Chief's president Chief Stewart Phillip added his group's support for the position.

"We have a responsibility to support each other and meet all challenges to our aboriginal title interest may it be in the are of forestry, ski resort development or fishing. We must rise to the occasion and support each other in our common struggle.

Those sentiments have also garnered the support of other Canadian first nations communities and organizations including the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Grand Council Treaty#3.