http://victoria.indymedia.org/news/2005/02/37834.php

Native groups speak out against mine

February 11, 2005
Juneau Empire, Alaska
Staff reports

JUNEAU - The Taku River Tlingit First Nation in British Columbia and the Douglas Indian Association in Juneau issued a joint statement against the proposed Tulsequah Chief mine on Thursday.

Representatives for two tribes met for three hours on Tuesday in Juneau before attending a forum on the Canadian mine. At the meeting, the groups agreed to work together on their common concerns.

"We hope to establish regular meetings," said Ed White, an environmental planner for the Douglas Indian Association.

In a written statement, Taku River Tlingit First Nation spokesman John Ward said, "The Tlingit people on both sides of the border have a long-term commitment to the land while the mining company (Redfern Resources Ltd.) has only a short-term interest in this land. Their cash register is empty and they want to use our land to fill it."

Butch Laiti, of the Douglas Indian Association, said the tribe wants to ensure that commercial, sport and subsistence fishermen can continue to enjoy the "Taku's rich salmon runs, but are worried that the mine and road will jeopardize this."