Interfor staying in Clayoquot area
WebPosted Jul 29 2003 11:07 AM PDT




TOFINO, B.C. - Interfor is rejecting demands by the Tla-o-qui-aht First
Nation to vacate its traditional territory in Clayoquot Sound on the west
coast of Vancouver Island.

Interfor spokesperson Ric Slaco says the company signed a 10-year
agreement with the province for logging rights in the environmentally
sensitive area.

At the time, the Tla-o-qui-aht spoke out against the deal. They say
they're still against it, and they want the company to cease operations
in the region..

But Slaco says Interfor went through an extensive consultation process
which involved input from First Nations before the deal was signed.

He says the company is caught in the middle of a dispute between the
provincial government and the Tla-o-qui-aht Band.

"And at this point, we would hope that both the province and the First
Nation can find an opportunity to have some dialogue on this."

Slaco says he's willing to talk with the Tla-o-qui-aht Nation when he
meets with their representatives next week.