First Nation Traditional Use and Heritage
We agree that the Katzie and Kwantlen Nations have legitimate concerns regarding provincial and municipal reallocation of crown lands prior to the completion of treaty negotiations and associated land use plans. We feel that no decisions should be made about future management of forested lands within the Katzie and Kwantlen Nation until a thorough First Nation land use plan, and a full BC government Management Plan for Blue Mountain has been completed.
There are many excellent local examples First Nation management of forest lands. One example is the Squamish Nation Land Use Plan that identifies appropriate land use activities throughout their territory. The Squamish Nation identified certain lands facing challenges similar to that at Blue Mountain as “Wild Spirit Places”. These places are protected but they are not parks. The Wild Spirit places were designated by the Squamish Nation to recognize that these places have always existed as special places to conserve and showcase the Nation’s cultural and natural landscape, to protect sacred sites, traditional stories, and ancient plant gathering and hunting grounds. The BC government has now officially recognized Wild Spirit Places in law so that these places will be protected for all time. A special Wild Spirit Place newspaper, co-published with the Squamish Nation is enclosed for your consideration.
