N'Quatqua blockades road

The N'Quataua have set up a blockade to stop the logging of their lands.

N'Quatqua blockade Portage Road at D'Arcy
Activists angered by chief's decision to enter forest, range agreement with limited consultation

Published Date: 2006-04-27

By Cindy Filipenko

More than 20 members of the N’Quátqua band and their supporters began blockading Portage Road at the entrance to D’Arcy on Monday.

The protestors claim that their elected representatives went against the wishes of the area residents and negotiated a logging agreement between The N’Quátqua Logging Company and the Pemberton’s CRB Logging Company to allow for the removal of 81 hectares of old growth forest in CP16 near Anderson Lake. The protestors’ goal is to prevent logging trucks from entering or exiting traditional N’Quátqua territory.

The area, which was scheduled to be logged beginning on Monday, April 24, is winter range to mule deer. As well, it is a habitat for bobcats, cougars, bears, wolves and many species of birds. At least two endangered species, the rubber boa and the horned owl, are also indigenous.

On the highway sign reading "Entering D’Arcy", there is another sign, it reads: "Where are you Rich Coleman?" a reference to the forest minister. A few feet away is a similar handmade sign that reads: "Biologist Says No."

Blockade spokesperson Carol Thevarge makes it clear that what’s at stake is more than old growth timber; it’s also culture, water, animals, plant life, fish and the band’s heritage. full article