Environment Minister Mary Polak met with three South Okanagan Similkameen native band chiefs this week in an attempt a start a discussion on a National Park reserve.

The meeting hosted by Lower Similkameen Band Chief Keith Crow along with Clarence Louie (OIB) and Jonathan Kruger (PIB) took place south of Cawston at the band’s new office.

The government of BC has stated that it wants to move forward with two park reserves but only if the Aboriginal Nations are on side.

Chief Crow says the Okanagan Chiefs want that too but on a personal note – he says he is not optimistic. He and the other native leaders favour the re-start of the LRMP * from 13 years ago.

His band definitely not in favour of a large National Park but likes the idea of co-management of many sensitive areas on traditional territory.

The group expects to meet again before Christmas with the minister, Mary Polak taking back various ideas and suggestions from the group.

Chief Crow told ODN development or stopping it is a key request as the water for Spotted Lake is drying up. Just one example given.

Crow also states he wants more action from the government on a discovered burial site near Cawston. The chief says it is a different ministry – Lands and Forest – but wants some pressure applied on the grievances presented in that case.

*LRMP – Land and Resource Management Plan