Re: “Walbran Valley logging could spark blockade,” Sept. 22.
This letter is to explain what I know as an adult and youth community worker in Pacheedaht First Nation.
Pacheedaht First Nation does, in fact, have strong concerns regarding any further old-growth logging in the Walbran Valley. Has Vivian Thomas of the Forests Ministry been asked where she got her information, and who she asked from Pacheedhat before making her claim representing the community’s opinion?
It is concerning to have government officials speaking on behalf of a community without getting the facts.
The Walbran Valley is part of Pacheedaht’s traditional territory and there are strong voices from Pacheedaht saying no to further logging there.
This is not the time for policy-makers to be speaking publicly about a community’s perspective without getting their facts straight. The community is following this issue very closely and will only hear the voice of the truth.
Nathan Mark
Port Renfrew
