Chief Alec Chingee of the McLeod Lake Band seems to be taking his leadership responsiblity seriously, unlike some band leaders that are creating economic black holes of hell for their people up in that area.

I agree with you YamaDoo. It sure would be nice to see this kind of leadership and co-operation with the Necoslie Band.

Surprizing but I agree with Yama on this one.

There was this training program that the mcloud lake band funded. It basically taught the natives there how to log, it was great. But the new Chief canceled it once his mandate started

This is a touchy issue.
We have 2 bands claiming ownership of the territory where the Mt.Milligan mine prospect is located.
Before the mine became an issue,nobody cared or rarely even bothered with this land.
As soon as the mine was announced,the hollering started.
Not an unusual situation.
The only band to actually have a treaty covering the area is the Mcleod Lake band.
The Necoslie(wrong spelling) Band in Fort St.James does not have a treaty covering it, and there appears to be an on-going dispute between the two bands over the land, to the point where they are now taking verbal potshots at each other.
Normally,the courts do not recognize oral history's when it comes to settling land claims,for the simple reason that ANYONE can claim the disputed land as their own personal traditional territory and usually do.
You do have to PROVE it.
This is the most viable and potential actual working new mine in B.C.right now, and it is much needed for the jobs it will provide,considering the state of the forest industry,and the sooner the better.
McKenzie and Fort St.James would both benefit greatly,as well as the two bands themselves,considering the unemployment level.
It is also interesting to note that many First Nations people from the Necoslie band DO want this mine to happen, and it is only one particular faction that doesn't,inspite of what has been said.
Again,leadership becomes the big issue.
A number of people from the Necoslie band were working at the mine last summer and will likely do the same this year.
I assume that would include people from the Mcleod Lake band as well.
Really,it IS all about money.
The Mcleod Lake band definitly has the right attitude and they are to be commended,along with Terrane Metals who have shown great patience and concern for doing things the right way.
Nice to see.
The big question is, if the mine does NOT happen,how does that benefit the bands who's people need jobs in the worst way?
How does that benefit anyone?
What is the advantage to that?
None of course.
In the end,the courts will hopefully recognize the legal aspects of any treaty,should it come to that.
All any legal dispute will do is tie up the mine and the courts, with no gain to anyone.
Everyone will be the losers and that will be disasterous for all concerned.
It's all about moving forward,not living in the past.
It will be interesting to see just how big the provincial and federal government's family jewels are as to how it is handled in the end.

It would really be nice for the Nak'azd'li band (Fred Sam and co.) to recognize that they are part of the Fort St. James community. The ENTIRE community can benefit greatly from this project. Fred Sam and crew need to be progressive. From my personal understanding Andyfreeze is right. There is one family willing to hold up this project. Fort St. James NEEDS this. The majority of people in Fort St. James who have lost jobs due to shutdowns etc. are devoted to this community. They haven't left. Please Mr. Sam. Don't be the one to let this die for Fort St. James. The people deserve this and desperately need this.

The white people need the jobs aswell as the natives

I would like to see all band offices function as well as McLeod Lake. They have several very successful endeavours behind them.

I have always thought the McCleod Lake Band is a model for all others in the province. Much better management model in keeping with Canadian values than the Nisga balkanization based on race was. I like how the McCleod Lake band sees us all as one with a common economic future, and although they fight for their traditional rights for their band members, they do not do so at the exclusion of their other native neighbors. The leadership in that community sets them head and shoulders above their peers when it comes to creating economic opportunities and working as partners with non-band members. I applaud their efforts.

I also appreciate the great insight in regards to the Nak'azd'li provided by Andyfreeze, but find it strange that so many members call both bands their home band?

I have always thought the McCleod Lake Band is a model for all others in the province. Much better management model in keeping with Canadian values than the Nisga balkanization based on race was. I like how the McCleod Lake band sees us all as one with a common economic future, and although they fight for their traditional rights for their band members, they do not do so at the exclusion of their other native neighbors. The leadership in that community sets them head and shoulders above their peers when it comes to creating economic opportunities and working as partners with non-band members. I applaud their efforts.

I also appreciate the great insight in regards to the Nak'azd'li provided by Andyfreeze, but find it strange that so many members call both bands their home band?

opps