Friday, September 21, 2007

Minister of Conservation, Stan Struthers to Meet Chief Ian Bushie

The Minister whose department has been responsible for allowing cottage development on traditional Hollow Water territory was asked by Chief Bushie to meet with him and his Council. Stan Struthers, Minister of Conservation, has agreed to head up to Hollow Water Territory on Saturday September 22nd to sit with Chief & Council. He initially asked for the barricades to be taken down, but Chief Bushie is adamant that the Province must show significant good faith and concrete steps towards sincere negotiations with Chief Bushie. The blockades will NOT be removed until such time as there is real progress made in the negotiations.

Meanwhile, Thursday evening at 5:00 p.m. September 20th, a large group of community members from Hollow Water gathered at Provincial Highway 304 where a potential blockade site has been set up. The resounding response from the community was in strong support of Chief Bushie to continue his quest on behalf of the community for a just arrangement with the Province that will see benefits flowing to the community instead of to the Province and cottagers alone.

The Minister's response at the proposed meeting will reveal the intentions of the Provincal government and will determine the directions that will be taken by the Hollow Water First Nation.

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