Notes from the field
Winter/spring 2010:January/February: Meet with Chief Marilyn and Wayne McCrory in Nemiah and arrange for some administrative assistance for M. Wayne and I spend day on skis and snowshoes exploring out near Bald Mountain. Spot two bands free roaming valley horses and also a number of cows and bulls. Seem to be as many cattle as horses on the range here.
Arrange w. Rocky to take me in to camp by skidoo next day. Camp at trailhead. Snow fairly deep but not cold. Patrol meadows on snowshoes, spot lone bachelor stallion in one meadow, band of six in home meadow. Several moose, and a few wolf tracks (v. large). Burn brush piles. Visit and dinner w. David and Sherri from Brittany L. Snowshoe out 26. km. to trailhead at end of stay – six hours. Lynx tracks and increasing nos. of hare
March/April: Nemiah for CEAA Panel hearings. Very moving to hear elders speaking. Many people in tears. Panel respectful. Sherri (nurse) makes outstanding presentation re community health and impacts mine will have. Wayne and I make respective presentations, Wayne re grizzly impacts, me on socio-cultural loss and negative impact on local businesses. Present petition for Protect Fish Lake web-site.
Wayne and I take skidoo to camp. Little snow, but cold. Patrol meadows on snowshoes, skis. Horses in home meadow. Very little moose sign, but cougar and wolf tracks in abundance. Watch five large wolves crossing lake - alpha pair, two adults, one youngster. Large and beautiful animals. Pair of bachelors seem unconcerned. Horses in fair condition and seem to be enduring winter fine, but not many about. Watch coyotes hunting muskrat and observe on kill. Strategize Wayne's report to Panel in Williams Lake at technical Hearings re mine. Deep snowfall last night in camp. Skidoo breaks down so we pack out, nervously crossing Elkin Lake as ice is getting soft.
March/May: To Williams Lake for Technical Hearings. Preponderance of evidence against the mine is overwhelming. Very proud of the efforts we have made to raise funds to bring the experts here. Dr, Shaffer presents his findings that the mine will bring no net economic benefit. . I sum up for FONV. Wayne presents the grizzly report. Big impact on the Panels final report. Virtually zero representation from the pro-mine people, and what there is is feeble at best. First Nations magnificent and proud, speaking truth to power with dignity and integrity.
June: Jonaki presents FONV support cheques (Ranger, Gatherings, rodeo barrel racing) at Gathering at Fish Lake. Meet J. and Carla at Twin Lakes. Elkin Creek very high and have difficulty crossing (two hours). Five horses in home meadow. Moose cow and very young calf cross creek in front of camp in morning. Wolves howling in night. Map nearby research meadows over next few days using GPS. Blaze stallion with beautiful old white spot mare who was formerly lead mare with black stallion. Three mares in this band now with three foals and a yearling. This stallion has been building his band with success, but his face is quite scarred now from fighting.
Hike west to two un-named lakes. Young moose at edge of lakes. Lots of wildfowl.
Move up to Teztan Biny for Run/Walk For Sacred Water. J. and I have close encounter with large young grizzly on hike. His behaviour is semi-predacious. Canoe lake and out to island, dine on Fish Lake trout. Delicious as usual. Incredible photographs of lake with full moon, snow mountains in distance. Must save this stunningly beautiful and powerful place. Morning of run Chief Marilyn, Councillor Roger, Carolyn, many others arrive. Ceremony at lake edge, drumming and singing, Tsilhqot'in War Song, prayers. I am moved almost beyond bearing! J. walks/runs 20 kms. To Taseko Bridge, I run second ten kms. Another ceremony there taking water from the river to be carried to Williams Lake. Many people here and wonderful good feeling. I am at home!
On to Brittany camp where we will map all research meadows over next week. Long day (25 kms.) to Eli Lake where map Lucy and Joanna meadows. Hike up into burn and observe fireguard damage. We discuss need for some rehabilitation in Eli Lake area, including shovel work and deactivation. Fortunately no mushroom pickers in this area. The burn was fairly light in this southern area. Pine grass is just getting started but anticipate deep growth over next few weeks. Two days later hike up and map two remaining research meadows, another long and arduous day, made lighter when we make sat. phone contact w. Pat and hear the results of the CEAA Panel hearings and the favourable Panel Report citing the irreparable harm the mine will do to the environment and First Nations. Hope this is the kiss of death for this damnable project.