Nicola Valley Chiefs Have Left Clark’s Office, Biosolids on B.C.'s Agenda

Several First Nations Chiefs from throughout the Okanagan Valley will be meeting with the Ministry of Environment Tuesday afternoon to discuss the future of biosolid disposal in the Nicola Valley.

Five Nicola Valley Chiefs have been occupying Premier Christy Clark’s MLA office in West Kelowna for the last six days and five nights in order to demand attention be brought to the disposal of biosolid waste in their backyard.

Grand Chief Bob Pasco, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip standing w/ #NicolaValley Chiefs & Supporters at #biowaste protest pic.twitter.com/C7hHocl0Zf

— UBCIC (@UBCIC) April 18, 2015

After several days of protesting, the Chiefs have vacated Clark’s office and the provincial government has agreed to meet with the Chiefs and discuss this issue.

“We look forward to entering a collaborative process with government so we can find solutions to this important issue that affects all of us,” said Chief Aaron Sam from the Lower Nicola Indian Band. “There needs to be a mediated process to deal with this important issue. We look forward to the meeting.”

In a response to the protest, Premier Christy Clark said the situation is being addressed, but it’s not an easy solution.

“We are working on it. It’s not an easy solution, though. That’s why it’s taken some time and I think that’s why they’re frustrated,” commented Clark. “The problem is there are a number of agencies in the provincial government plus the ALC involved, and the permit was issued by the Regional District. There’s a lot of hands in the pot here, so it’s taking a little bit more time than I would have hoped to get it settled.”

"Government's position has remained consistent. We have always been open to having constructive dialogue. However, we were not prepared to discuss the issue while the occupation was happening. We have spoke with the [First Nations] in the past, and offered further discussions prior to the occupation occurring," said the Ministry of Environment. "We are pleased it has ended safely."

Referred to as a high level meeting, government officials will meet with the Valley Chiefs in Merritt at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Say no to bio-solids in the Nicola Valley! pic.twitter.com/wm4cTZ6Cpd

— Aaron Sam (@Asambc) March 10, 2015

The occupation of Premier Christy Clark’s MLA office was sparked shortly after an initial protest on Highway 8 just outside of Merritt.

Local residents along with the Lower Nicola Indian Band set up a blockade in order to restrict trucks carrying biowaste into the Sunshine Valley.

According to Chief Sam, biosolid waste has been dumped onto private property about 20 kilometres west of Merritt. The waste has seeped into the ground and the Nicola River, and ecosystems are being impacted.