[news] Sun Peaks Related Obstruction Charge Dismissed

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From: UBCIC Press Release List
<jpc1 at ubcic.bc.ca>
Date:  Fri, 23 May 2003 09:15:12 -0700
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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Skwelkwekwelt Protection Center
c/o George Manuel Institute
P.O. Box 608
Chase, British Columbia, Canada, V0E 1M0
Tel: (250) 679-3295 Fax: (250) 679-3052


SUN PEAKS RELATED OBSTRUCTION
CHARGE DISMISSED


(Neskonlith Indian Band, May 22, 2003) Beverly Manuel of the Neskonlith
Indian Band and mother of Amanda Soper (Kanahus Pellkey) had obstruction
charges against her dismissed. The obstruction charge was related to the
effort of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to arrest Amanda Soper,
who was alleged to be in Beverly Manuels vehicle. Amanda Soper at that
time had outstanding warrants for her arrest respecting her participation
in demonstrations to stop the expansion of Sun Peaks Resort. The judge
ruled that there was no vivid evidence that showed Beverly Manuel
obstructed the RCMP in their police efforts to arrest Amanda Soper.

Janice Billy, Spokesperson, Skwelkwekwelt Protection Center said I am
delighted that the obstruction charges against Beverly Manuel were
dismissed. Janice Billy said we are still struggling to stop the expansion
of Sun Peaks from 5,000 to 24,000 bed units. She said we have been picked
on by the authorities with numerous charges and it is good that we can
from time-to-time get justice in the courts.

Amanda Soper who has since dealt with her outstanding warrants said I am
glad my mother had these charges dismissed because I was not in her
vehicle at that time. She said my twin sister was in the truck.  Amanda
Soper said that the reason I had outstanding Warrants for my arrest was
because I was unnerved by a violent demonstration that occurred at Sun
Peaks, between the RCMP and the NYM on November 16, 2001.

Arthur Manuel, former chief of the Neskonlith Indian Band, said that I am
glad that Mr. Rodolfo Stavenhagen, the United Nations Special Rapporteur
for Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of the Indigenous People went to
Sun Peaks and visited the Skwelkwekwelt Protection Center on May 2, 2003.
Mr. Manuel said I am disappointed however that the local media did not
cover his visit. He said the local media systematically boosts the image
of Sun Peaks and undermines any serious efforts to resolve this conflict
fairly. He said that is why international observation like that of Mr.
Stavenhagen is so important.

Arthur Manuel said Mr. Stavenhagen is planning on coming back to Canada
next year. Mr. Manuel said the struggle to stop Sun Peaks expansion is not
over until it is stopped.


Contact: Janice Billy (250) 318-4290
Beverly Manuel (250) 371-0361
Arthur Manuel (250) 319-0688


-- 

Established in 1969, the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs is a
political organization protecting the Aboriginal Title and Rights of our
member communities. We are based in Kamloops and have an office in
Vancouver. For further details visit our website at
http://www.ubcic.bc.ca.