Waterhen Plans Protest At Provincial Park

Waterhen Plans Protest At Provincial Park

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 15:40

 

 

Members of the Waterhen Lake First Nation are planning to hold a protest this Thursday at the gates of Meadow Lake Provincial Park.

 

It is being timed to coincide with the National Day of Action that First Nations will be commemorating across the country.

 

Band councillor Armand Fiddler says the community is upset with the treatment it is receiving over some core issues.

 

Fiddler says the band wants the government to compensate it for taking away traditional lands and converting them into what is now known as the Primrose Lake Air Weapons Range.

 

He says the government is taking forever to deal with this land claim and something needs to happen.

 

Fiddler also says band members are tired of being charged or removed from the provincial park when going out to pick berries or engage in other traditional activities.

 

He claims one member was charged for building a log cabin in the park, something that used to happen frequently.

 

Fiddler says the band won’t block the gates to the park, but will demonstrate alongside it.

 

Band officials hope to generate public support for their cause and force the government’s hand.