ISLANDS BULLETIN NO. 16 April 25, 2005 To All Islands People; DINNER DANCE The Negotiation Team arrived back from Vancouver in time for the Benefit Dinner and Dance in Queen Charlotte this past Friday — an update was given. Thanks to everyone who attended, donated and participated in anyway with the Benefit Dinner and Dance. The event raised $11,270.50 for families. For people who wish to receive money from the fund please contact Betsy Cardell at 559-4716. AGREEMENT The negotiating team brought home a draft agreement with the Provincial government. During the next 30-days we are hoping to finalize the agreement and there is work to do over the next couple of weeks, but what is firm in the agreement so far is: Protected Areas: The Haida Protected Areas are in protection for at least four years under a Part 13 order except for Yakoun Lake and the Tlell. Part 13 is a Ministry of Forest order that can protect areas up to four years. The four-year timeframe can change if both parities agree through negotiation or a formal land use plan is implemented. This protection also removes the area from the allowable annual cut. The Yakoun Lake and Tlell Protected Areas, some CMTs and Cedar cultural areas have been placed under a Government Action Regulation (GAR). GAR allows for these to be negotiated over the short-term. GAR can also provide a reprieve for the District Manager — he does not have to approve any cutting in those areas while negotiations are going on. Logging: During this short negotiation period a 2-year forest harvesting agreement will be developed to provide for an annual harvest level of up to 900,000 m3 for all tenures on the Islands. Bear Hunting: The CHN will be meeting with the Province this week to discuss retiring the bear hunting licences. Through these negotiations the CHN’s intention is to follow the House of Assembly resolution to end the recreational bear hunt on Haida Gwaii. Land Planning: A significant shift has occurred with the Provincial government. It has finally recognized that we have to look at the Islands differently. There is now an understanding that the need of the Islands communities to develop a sustainable economy will take precedence over the desires of the Province and industry. This change should make a big difference to discussions at the land-planning table. Weyerhaeuser/Brascan Deal A lawsuit is being prepared to bring against Weyerhaeuser based on Title, damages and breach of contract. The issue of damages is based on the land and timber taken from Haida Gwaii and the breach of contract is about the Six Point Agreement that was broken. Discussion is still going on around the acquisition of TFL 39, Block 6. These are some of the items on the table at this time and things do look hopeful but the next few weeks will be intense coming to an agreement. It will not be easy, for today we learned that industry is already trying to undermine the process and the needs of the Island communities. YAKOUN & HONNA LINES The Yakoun and Honna Lines will remain soft for the next 30 days while details of the agreement are being worked out with the Province. It is because of the work and dedication of people standing on the line and helping in other capacities that we have been able to accomplish what we have. We acknowledge the stamina and dedication of Islands people to stand up for what they believe in, it is that commitment that has got us to this place. Updates and details will continue as things are firmed up. VOLUNTEER SIGN UP INFORMATION Yakoun Line coordinator - May Russ: 1-250-626-5252 or toll free 1-888-638-7778 or home 626-5037. Honna Line coordinator - Melinda Pick 559-8834 or melinda_pick@hotmail.com or cblake@haidagwaii.net To sign up for the Honna Line call Nika and Danny at 559-8133 and leave a message if the machine comes on.