First Nations Have Two Day Mountain Pine Beetle Forum

Monday, September 19, 2005 04:02 AM

More than 80 first nations are expected in Prince George today and tomorrow, to attend an emergency Mountain Pine beetle forum.

Forest Minister Rich Coleman and Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, Tom Christensen will attend the meetings on Tuesday.

Carrier Sekani Tribal Chief Harry Pierre says he is happy the two Ministers are attending and he hopes that they will provide some funding for the group to look into the problems that they anticipate in the future as a result of the major reduction of pine in the region.

Last week the Omineca Beetle Action Coalition received $800,000 in funding, the group represents communities along Highway 16, west of Prince George.

Forest Minister Rich Coleman says any money given to the group would be in addition to the new $100 million dollar Relationship fund. Coleman says "We want everyone to go out and start looking for some plans for the future as the availability of wood begins to dry up."
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Posted on Monday, September 19, 2005 04:02 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: spanky on September 19 2005 9:28 AM

ol rich coleman doesn't have a clue but i am sure that the first nations people will have some constructive ideas. they probably have more to lose than most in regards to the pine beetle.

later........

Posted by: rock on September 19 2005 9:59 AM

Just another HUGE waste of tax payer's $$$$ and time.Oh well looks like ol John Major will have a couple good days in the casino and the bingo hall.
ROCK

Posted by: gypsy on September 19 2005 1:41 PM

I believe the First Nations should be given the 100 million.
After all they were here first, and know more about the forests than the white men- I would think.
They are the ones equipped to make the plans for the future.
That 100 million will help boost the economy anyhow.
No taking sides here!!!!

Posted by: owl on September 20 2005 1:08 AM

Speaking of John Major, I wonder when the CIty will get tired of his mining operation at the corner of a major City intersection and bring it up to a reasonable appearance.

Posted by: owl on September 20 2005 1:10 AM

I think the money in their pockets is more likely to get spent in this country and this region than if the money were put into the hand of the newcomers to this land. They are more likely to spend that money elsewhere, including in a foreign country.