Carrier Sekani Tribal Council

The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council brings together seven member nations to unify our voices and strengthen our inherent indigenous rights, title, and interests in our territories.

Forestry

CSTC is calling for a fully independent review of the Babine Mill disaster

MEDIA RELEASE
January 17, 2014
CSTC is calling for a fully independent review of the Babine Mill disaster (PDF Version)

Dakelh Territory, Prince George, B.C. – The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC) is disappointed to learn that no one will be accountable for the explosion in 2012 that killed Lake Babine First Nation member Carl Charlie and Stellat’en First Nation member Robert Luggi Jr. (Stellat’en is a member of the CSTC).  The two victims were among many other workers who suffered injuries at the Babine Forest Products Sawmill accident that was deemed preventable by WorkSafe BC.  On January 10, BC Crown Counsel released its Clear Statement that no charges will be approved against Babine Forest Products (BFP).  After a two year investigation the families of those who lost loved ones, or were injured, while on the job, are left wondering if there will be any justice and assurances that such an accident will never happen again.

Tribal Chief Teegee stated, “Our thoughts are with the families who will continue to grieve. The Luggi and Charlie families have deep roots with the Carrier Sekani peoples.”  He added, “The CSTC will continue to support the families in their time of need.”  Robert Luggi Jr. was the husband of former Chief Maureen Luggi of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation, who also was a board member of the CSTC.

“The CSTC believe there needs’ to be an independent investigation into the Babine Forest Products mill explosion” said Chief Teegee. Teegee added, “For many of the families this decision from the Crown Counsel not to proceed is a miscarriage of justice and many of the families have to endure the pain of their loss once again to see no justice or accountability.”  Teegee concluded, “There will be no closure until these families receive answers and justice for an accident that has changed so many lives.”  While the Premier has asked her government to look into the incident further, it does not mean it will result in independent results.


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Media contacts: Tribal Chief Terry Teegee:  Office (250) 562-6279.  Cell: (250) 640-3256

Dakelh Territory, Prince George, B.C. – The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC) is disappointed to learn that no one will be accountable for the explosion in 2012 that killed Lake Babine First Nation member Carl Charlie and Stellat’en First Nation member Robert Luggi Jr. (Stellat’en is a member of the CSTC).  The two victims were among many other workers who suffered injuries at the Babine Forest Products Sawmill accident that was deemed preventable by WorkSafe BC.  On January 10, BC Crown Counsel released its Clear Statement that no charges will be approved against Babine Forest Products (BFP).  After a two year investigation the families of those who lost loved ones, or were injured, while on the job, are left wondering if there will be any justice and assurances that such an accident will never happen again.

CSTC to Speak at Russian Forestry Round Table

Dakelh Territory, Prince George, British Columbia.  Canada. – The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC) representative Vice Tribal Chief Terry Teegee, RPF will be in Russia from July 6 to 7, 2011 speaking to Russian forestry experts, government and Russian indigenous groups.  As the British Columbia Representative on the National Aboriginal Forestry Association (NAFA), Vice Chief Teegee will provide some insight into the challenges and opportunities First Nations have had in north central British Columbia, Canada.

“We are very excited about sharing our knowledge and experiences with the Russian government and indigenous communities”, stated Teegee.  The Russian project is being led by Minregion and the Ministry of Natural Resources of Khabarovsky Krai, with the participation from the All-Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia and Far East (RAIPON).  The Department of Aboriginal Affairs Canada is leading the Canadian side of the project.

The project is aimed at sharing best practices in the area of socio-economic development of indigenous communities and sustainable resource management in Russia and Canada.  The Russian government is working on developing a Model Territory district to pilot how indigenous communities can better benefit from resources in their territories.

“A cornerstone of improving indigenous peoples socio-economic situation is to develop domestic policies and laws, with indigenous peoples that include principles of respect, reconciliation and reciprocity,” said Vice Tribal Chief Teegee.  He also noted, “If these instruments don’t exist then there are international ones like the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.  It outlines minimum globally accepted standards for the well-being, survival and dignity of indigenous peoples.” 

Vice Chief Teegee stated, “Our Dakelh and Sekani peoples share similar climates and customs as the indigenous peoples in Russia.  We are looking forward to learning more and contributing to respectful and productive dialogues with everyone involved.”
   
For more information please contact:
Vice Tribal Chief Terry Teegee.  Office (250) 562-6279 e.223.  Cell: (250) 640-3256.
Email: tteegee@cstc.bc.ca 

Dakelh Territory, Prince George, British Columbia.  Canada. – The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC) representative Vice Tribal Chief Terry Teegee, RPF will be in Russia from July 6 to 7, 2011 speaking to Russian forestry experts, government and Russian indigenous groups.  As the British Columbia Representative on the National Aboriginal Forestry Association (NAFA), Vice Chief Teegee will provide some insight into the challenges and opportunities First Nations have had in north central British Columbia, Canada.