LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (November 18, 1991)

Your story “Gays River mine, mill up for sale” (T.N.M., Nov. 4/91) quotes a minable reserve for the Westminer Canada project of 570,000 tons grading 8.4% zinc and 5.1% lead.

This tonnage was the minable reserve as of June 30, 1990 (as reported in the 1990 annual report of parent Western Mining). However, 16 months later the reserve picture is substantially different: the current minable reserve is 1,371,000 tonnes (1,508,100 tons) at 9.8% zinc and 5.3% lead. The preliminary reserve estimate quoted is also as of June 30, 1990; that resource has been increased to 2.4 million tonnes (2.64 million tons) at 8.7% zinc and 6.3% lead.

Western Mining’s 1991 annual report did not classify any of this resource as a minable reserve because we had just commenced “project mode” on account of rising water levels. Since that time, we have been successful in managing the groundwater.

J.J. Gresham

Vice-President

Geology and Exploration

The column “Mining ranks behind native issues, clams, dragonflies” (T.N.M., Sept. 16/91) shows that author M.R. Brown does not understand the historical reality of our peoples in Canada. He cites our “social problems” of poverty, unemployment, alcoholism and substandard housing as continuing to exist despite billions of dollars being thrown at the problem. He also states that native peoples had the same opportunities as immigrants to forge a place in Canadian society.

I do not agree. Such statements are intended to blame the victim. There continues to exist an untold history in this country that pertains to our respective peoples.

For example, Indian peoples in this country are landless in their own homelands. It is a contradiction in terms but according to the government of Canada, the reserves established for the Indians were simply set aside for Indian use. They do not in Canadian statute belong to Indian peoples. This is the basis of our dispute with Canada which we call “the land question.” We certainly do demand that we have control within our homeland areas, especially when our citizens, our waters, our lands and renewable resources are placed in extreme prejudice from the toxins and disturbances being used or practised in our territories.

Furthermore, Indian peoples in the early stages were certainly participating in the development of British Columbia. However, our forefathers’ participation was not welcomed. Because of the attitude of non-acceptance, we were by legislation and policy blocked from participating.

In 1984, our governing system, the potlatch, was outlawed. Indian people were not permitted to take part in land pre-emption. Until recently, we were not even permitted to purchase land. Trade and commerce in our fisheries were prohibited in the 1870s and the prohibition continues to this day. In 1927, the lawful assembly of our peoples was outlawed; we could not hire or raise money to obtain the services of a lawyer. Travel from one reserve to another was prohibited unless permission was granted by an Indian agent. These remained on the law books until 1951.

Do these facts indicate that Indian peoples had the same opportunities as immigrants? If Brown continues to hold biased views, then I cannot help but think that racism is alive and well in Canada and unfortunately is promoted by publications such as The Northern Miner.

Chief Saul Terry

President

Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs

Vancouver

It really is revealing and refreshing to read the editorial page of The Northern Miner where perceptions in print by Mort Brown (M.R. Brown, publisher emeritus) appear. Perhaps he is a prophet and the financial Canadian collapse is near.

Robin Gibson

Winnipeg, Man.