While most readers of the Mirror were taking time over the holidays to eat turkey, reflect on what has been a challenging year, and spend time with friends and family, it was sadly disappointing to read that, yet again, our MLA Claire Trevena continues to persist with false and misinformed accusations about the legitimate economic and social aspirations of the Klahoose First Nation on Cortes Island.

Trevena’s statement in the Dec. 29 edition, that there is no mechanized shellfish activity in the Gorge Harbour, is patently false as it has been there for a number of years and some of companies using mechanization have received international acclaim for their product, and used an aquaculture model that should be a best practices standard for all growers in B.C.
Trevena continues to perpetuate the eco-colonialist myth that any industrial activity is incompatible with being a First Nation. I can tell readers that this nonsense, so typical of what we have seen from the NDP over the past number of years, will lead to a continued economic and social divide between our communities.

The Klahoose have been stewards of the land and water in this area for thousands of years – and we will continue well into the future. As a gesture of goodwill, let me help Claire with a new year’s resolution: In 2010 try and get your facts straight and stop trying to keep First Nations from entering into legitimate, sustainable business enterprises that can deliver positive economic opportunities and better social outcomes for everyone involved. This one-trick pony approach to road blocking everything First Nations pursue has become tiresome.

Chief Ken Brown, Klahoose First Nation

Source: www. http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_north/campbellrivermirror/