On Monday -- Xeni Gwet'in Chief Marilyn Baptiste said this on 'New Prosperity' at a public meeting in 100 Mile House:
Her people aren't stupid.
“It will of course destroy our way of life. It will destroy our land. There’s already been enough impact there.”
“It’s unfortunate that the Canadian government chooses to go through a process wasting energy and time; and on a process that was already reviewed, assessed and denied.”
"Meetings like the one held last night are for the purpose of educating people on the real issues that exist and also encouraging the public to educate themselves further."
"Baptiste doesn’t believe for one second that Fish Lake will be saved and that anyone with common sense would be aware that that is not possible"
Today - Len Doucette of the "Say Yes to New Prosperity" countered the arguments put forth by the Xeni Gwet'in Chief by stating:
"The Friends of Fish Lake, when they were talking [Monday] were making you believe the mine is going to be basically under Fish Lake and that poisonous and acidic water will be flowing into Fish Lake.”
“Basically they’re just trying to make everybody believe what Taseko Mines is saying is lies; and it’s not lies.”
Doucette insists Taseko has a very sustainable watershed proposal. He knows that the Friends of Fish Lake think it’s all bologna though, as he puts it, from what his side understands, Taseko is doing everything they can and are committed to the prevention of contamination of fish spawning grounds and Fish lake"
While I sympatize with the general direction of "Say Yes to New Prosperity" group -- I hope that we find a way to disagree civility (ie - I understand your point of view but I reject your conclusion) without resorting to strong language like "they are lying...."
Using such language leads to a divisive community, such as the case we have now over New Prosperity, even within the non-aboriginal community. There is the old saying: Disagree without being disagreeable
SBF
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