Date: Tue, 12 Sep 1995 23:16:31 -0700 From: . (Media Island International)) Subject: GUSTAFSEN SEIGE UPDATE: TENSIONS ESCALATE/CLARK IGNORED IN COURT-Sept 12 GUSTAFSEN LAKE - POLICE TERRORISM ESCALATES TENSIONS ONCE AGAIN Details of what occurred Monday afternoon are not yet verifiable due to a complete monopoly of info by Canadian state authorities, but it appears that ever-increasing support from the indigenous grassroots resulted in a pre-emptive strike to return the Gustafsen Lake crisis to an "emergency" situation justifying an end to negotiations and an assault upon the Shuswap Defenders. Early Monday, an emergency meeting of Department of Indian Affairs (DIA) chiefs from across BC, held in Merritt BC, was addressed by 2 Shuswap supporters - elders Bill Lightbawn, founder of United Native Nations, and Lavina White, both active sovereigntists. Lavina White (Thow Hagwelth Edinsoo/Sound of Many Copper Shields-So Be It-Their Word Is Law) of the hereditary High Chieftain Family of the Haida Nation - Raven Clan - and Lightbawn called for and received unanimous support for two resolutions: 1) Deadly military force never be the final option to resolve these human rights issues 2) An international impartial UN mediator independent of the issues be appointed According to the "Vancouver Sun" Sep 12 p. A2, "what came out of the conference was some tough talk and a warning of possible further violence from Upper Nicola band chief Scotty Holmes. Holmes insisted the conference wanted to see a peaceful solution, but contrary to what the provincial government believed, 'the people at Gustafsen Lake do have our support. God, if someone came to your house with weapons, would you just stand there? No way! You'd shoot back. We're not advocating violence. No way. That's the last of our options. But let's not forget, if you're forced by aggression, there's no way you can stand by and watch it. Our people have been patient for a long, long time." According to CBC TV news (Monday 6 pm), "earlier today before the gunfire at Gustafsen the natives there received a boost of support at an emergency meeting of chiefs from around the province. They got together in Merritt to encourage a peaceful settlement. But in an unexpected move the chiefs threw their support behind the militants - and are now calling for a U.N. mediator to be brought in to settle the dispute...their crisis bulletin offered unanimous support." Saul Terry: British Columbia remains unceded lands - which needs to be resolved between Canada and our Indian Nations. This has not been done and there's been all kinds of avoidance, denial and manipulation. Bill Lightbawn: It's support for those people and it's also a demand - that the police back off and let the proper resolution process take place so that everybody can live. We're just as concerned about those RCMP people as well as people in the camp. We don't want anyone murdered and it's absolutely unnecessary for anyone to die. "The native leaders said they will continue to meet across the province to show support for those involved in the standoff and try and find a peaceful solution." - Alan Edwards, CBC News, Merritt No mention was made by the assembly, however, "of the rebels' core demands - that the Queen and British Privy Council review the traditionalists' claim to the site because they don't recognize the jurisdiction of Canadian governments and courts." (Victoria Times-Colonist, Sep 12, A1) At 2:00 PM PST Monday, as a negotiating committee from the Shuswap Liaison Group approached the RCMP's final checkpoint into the camp (approx. 2-3 km from the camp), a red pick-up truck from the camp proceeded to meet the delegation. According to Gordon Sebastian, one of the liaison team: "the RCMP were well aware that these people come out of the camp, come up to the road and await the arrival of the delegation." (Canadian Press, Sep 12) The Defenders' red vehicle then apparently "drove over an 'Early Warning Device' police had put on a logging road", RCMP Sgt. Peter Montague said (Cdn Press). Police confirmed this device was an explosive, i.e. a land mine. According to Montague, "yesterday the occupants had been advised to stay within a confined area and that area was well described to them. The RCMP had tightened their security net, and they were well aware of that." (Vancouver Sun, Sept 12) We think it highly unlikely that the Defenders would have knowingly driven over a land mine! But it is known that complaints and requests concerning lack of access to firewood and water were made by the camp and were to be the subject of discussions with the Shuswap Liaison Team. According to Gordon Sebastian, native liaison member: "'when the Shuswap elders reached the meeting point, no-one was there'. Shortly after, 'there was a large discharge and we felt the wind on our faces and clothes,' Sebastian said. 'And then there was small calibre fire - about 11 or 12 shots.' At 2:15 PM PST the liaison group heard 'at the most 60 rounds...'" (Vancouver Sun) Sebastian disputed RCMP estimates of thousands of rounds being fired. According to RCMP, a firefight with a Bison heavy armored vehicle ensued. This vehicle suffered "mechanical difficulties" as a result of (return) fire from the red truck's occupants, three of whom were reportedly shot. According to the "Vancouver Sun", "after the gunfight...RCMP contacted the camp and spoke to Jonesy Ignace who goes by the name of Wolverine. Ignace told the RCMP that 3 people were injured, including an unarmed woman. 'You murdered one of our women.'" (The woman is reportedly wounded in the arm and has refused to leave the camp.) "Later Percy Rosette, Shuswap Faithkeeper and Pipe Carrier - one of the spiritual leaders in the camp - accused police of 'double-crossing' the campers. 'Everything went wrong with your people. It was a bomb,' he said. 'You people started firing first again. Your people sent bombs.' He said no-one would come out because they believed people would kill them." (Vancouver Sun, Sept 12) As of Sept 10, the RCMP's public position was that: * The talks are proceeding well and the RCMP is still cautiously optimistic with respect to a peaceful conclusion of this situation. * As a result of the talks this morning, the delegation has again been permitted access to the armed camp to pursue their dialogue with the occupants. (from media release, RCMP Public Relations, Sept 10 12:30 pm) At 6:00 PM with various reports unconfirmed of death and/or injuries, the RCMP's previous declaration of support and optimism regarding native mediation had suddenly and dramatically changed. "'There's a criminal agenda which is continually being advanced by the criminal element in that community,' [Montague] said of the rebel campers...'They have usurped any legitimate goal and objectives of the local people with their own self-serving criminal agenda.'" (Vancouver Province, Sep 12) According to the native mediation team, composed of Jeanette Armstrong, Don Ryan (Gitksan negotiator, BC Treaty Commission) and others, the RCMP's public posturing about a peaceful solution is contradicted by all the RCMP's actions. Penticton Indian Act Band Councillor Stewart Philip said, "The RCMP are preventing the public from learning what's really going on inside the camp by keeping the media far away from site...They're able to carry on their own agenda and present to the public what they feel will find acceptable. By isolating the camp, there's no way of confirming or refuting it." (Vancouver Sun) According to Philip, Montague's vicious tirade of demonization against the Sundance Defenders was "unglued": "He seemed to be really nervous. He didn't seem sure of what he was saying. I kind of get the impression they messed up big-time and the whole thing was going to blow up in his face." The RCMP "just want to go in there and bash heads in," said Don Ryan. "They're all set to kill people." (Vancouver Sun) BC Attorney General Ujjal Dosanjh responded by saying "the police have conducted themselves admirably...obviously the chances of a peaceful solution are dimming day by day....They are bent upon coming out of that camp in body bags." (Vancouver Sun) At approx. 10:30 PM PST Monday, UTV News (Vancouver) reported that 2 male native youths had been escorted out of the camp by a native liaison member - these youths were handcuffed and taken to the 100 Mile House RCMP Detachment, where they were to be taken before a magistrate today. There is still an unconfirmed report that one individual - possibly wounded - is missing. Lost in the shuffle is the Defenders' impregnable legal position which renders all non-native jurisdiction on unceded sovereign territories demonstrably fraudulent, treasonable and genocidal. In the Supreme Court of Canada today, Chief Justice Antonio Lamer insulted Defenders' counsel Dr. Bruce Clark as "a disgrace to the bar" (CBC TV Newsworld, 10 am) and refused to grant an injunction restraining RCMP actions, pending a ruling on the Shuswap's unextinguished, unsurrendered, constitutionally protected sovereignty and jurisdiction. According to one source, 10 Bison armored vehicles left the Canadian Forces Base at Comox, Vancouver Island, heading for Gustafsen Lake. RCMP would neither confirm nor deny that reinforcements were being considered, including armed forces personnel and/or vehicles. The vicious tone of Montague's press statement suggests that once again an invasion is impending. Once again we are totally dependent upon RCMP spokespeople as to what happens behind their steadily tightening "ring of fire". Media continues to report RCMP statements as fact. In conclusion, Canada is acting like the murderous settler state it is - international outrage and public condemnation of this reign of terror towards sovereign indigenous nations by federal/provincial fascistic regimes and their police must bring this offensive to an end before more Dudley Georges are murdered by Canadian colonialism. Let us come together in solidarity, resistance and HONOUR: Healing Our Nations Of United Resistance. -------------------------- Yesterday, Nuxalk hereditary chiefs burned a BC Supreme Court injunction, as their nation and non-native allies continue to blockade International Forest Products near Bella Coola. An ancient old-growth temperate rainforest 3 times the size of the Clayoquot Sound area is involved. Interfor is represented by international law partnership Osler-Renault-Ladner; ex-Prime Minister Brian Mulroney is a senior partner. NUXALK STRONG! NUXALK FOREVER! House of Smayusta: (604) 799-5376 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- posted by S.I.S.I.S. Settlers In Support of Indigenous Sovereignty PO Box 8673 Victoria, BC Canada V8X 3S2 uc389@freenet.victoria.bc.ca ----------------------------

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IITC to Premier of Canada Jean Chretien on Gustafsen Lake

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INTERNATIONAL INDIAN TREATY COUNCIL

INFORMATION OFFICE 54 MINT STREET #400 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103
TELEPHONE: (415) 512-1501
FAX: (415) 512-1507
E-MAIL: September 7, 1995
Premier of Canada Jean Chretien
fax: (613)941-6900 The International Indian Treaty Council (IITC) has been recognized since 1977, as a category II Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) with consultative status by the United Nations. In this capacity, the IITC is concerned with the observance of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Indigenous Peoples throughout the Americas and Pacific Islands, including Canada. We are informed by the En'owkin Centre and other Indigenous groups, of a confrontation at Gustafsen Lake, British Columbia, between an unarmed Shuswap elder attempting to keep cattle from defecating on Sacred Traditional Shuswap Lands and fifteen armed cowboys sent to forcibly remove him. The situation has now dangerously escalated to a confrontation between group of Indigenous men intent on protecting their Sacred Lands and both the provincial and federal governments. The initial injection of governmental force, heavily armed police swat teams, has now escalated to a siege of federal Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in armored personnel carriers. The sound of shots was reported at the site on September 6 and 7, 1995. All communication with the besieged Indigenous People has been cut off by the RCMP. We are further informed by the Indigenous Environmental Network and the Mohawk National News Service that on Wednesday, September 6, 1995, at about 9:30 pm, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) opened fire on a group of unarmed Pottawatimi and Ojibway men, women and children attempting to defend Sacred Burial Grounds located in Ipperwash Provincial Park, Ontario. The OPP killed two people, Nicholas Cotrell, a 15 year old boy, shot in the back with a 223 round, and Dudley George, shot twice in the chest. These governmental actions, by their coincidence, disproportionate force and unwarranted level of violence, can only be interpreted as concerted and intentional. The IITC is profoundly concerned about these Canadian provincial and federal governments' armed and escalating sieges and attacks on Indigenous Peoples in Canada. We are aware of the legitimate legal basis of Indigenous Peoples' claims to self-determination over their traditional lands in Canada, as well as the Canadian government's refusal to live up to its Constitutional and legal, as well as moral responsibility to fairly address these claims. The Canadian government must be aware that recent history demonstrates that it is not the recognition of the right to self-determination that has led to violence; it is the denial of that basic right of Peoples that has produced that lamentable result. Even if the Canadian government chooses to ignore those documents upon which it bases its own legitimacy as a state, such as its own treaties and treaties to which it is successor, the Royal Proclamation of 1763 as well as its own Constitution Act of 1982, Canada has entered into internationally binding commitments to the United Nations and to other governments, in multi-lateral treaties and agreements that it cannot ignore if it is to maintain the image of a democratic or civilized state. The International Bill of Human Rights comprised of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESC) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) includes the right to Self Determination (Common Article 1, ICESC and ICCPR); the right to Life (Universal Declaration, Art.3); and, the Right to Thought, Conscience and Religion (Universal Declaration Art. 18, and ICCPR Art. 27). Whether or not the government of Canada chooses to respect and observe Indigenous Peoples' human rights and fundamental freedoms as Peoples, the Human Rights Committee has found that Canada is bound to observe the right of Indigenous Peoples as individuals, "..in community with other members of their group, to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practice their own religion, [and] to use their own language." Lubicon Lake Band of Canada, Case No. 167/1984. The IITC would further remind the Canadian government that the definition of Genocide in the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, to which Canada is a party, includes: (a) Killing members of the group; (b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; and (c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction. Art. II. We remind the Canadian government that in December, 1994, the United Nations declared the Decade of Indigenous Peoples, its goal being "to strengthen international cooperation for the solution of problems faced by indigenous people." General Assembly Resolution 49/214. We also remind the government of Canada of the Preamble to the Universal Declaration, stating that recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. We urge the government of Canada to immediately de-escalate its armed actions against the Indigenous Peoples in Gustafsen Lake, British Columbia and Ipperwash Provincial Park, Ontario, and to initiate a process of peaceful and mutually respectful dialogue with the Indigenous Peoples concerned, to address in a serious and meaningful manner the multitude of problems that have given rise to these dangerous and tragic situations. Because of the seriousness of these concerns, we must require your immediate response addressing these critical matters. Alberto Saldamando
General Counsel, IITC cc: Assistant Secretary General Julian Berger, Indigenous for Human Rights, UN Affairs, Centre for Human M. Ibrahima Fall Rights, Geneva fax: (41)22-917-0123 Fax:(41)22-917-0123 (With cover letter requesting an immediate inquiry) M. Andre Ouelette, Ambassador to the United Foreign Minister of Canada States Raymond Chretien fax: (613)996-8924 fax: (202)682-7678 Governor General of Canada Aboriginal Affairs Minister M. Romeo LeBlanc of Canada, M. Cashore fax: (604)941-7536 fax: (604)356-1124 B.C. Premier Michael Harcourt Ontario Premier Mike Harris fax: (604)387-0087 fax: (416)325-3745 Canadian Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs Mary Simon fax: (613)992-6424 CFUV: Attn Community Affairs Canadian Indian Affairs fax: (604)721-7112 Minister, M. Irwin, fax: (819)997-0380 ------------------------------------- Return to Page Table of Contents Date: Wed, 13 Sep 1995 14:53:47 -0700 From: PlanetPEACE Letter of Support for the People at Gustafson Lake by the Sinixt Nation Posted on behalf of the Sinixt Nation Spokesperson Marilyn James, mjames@cariboo.bc.ca Sinixt Nation Group 16, Compartment 2, RR1 Winlaw, B.C. V0G 2J0 THE SINIXIT RECGONIZE the efforts of any aboriginal peoples to resolve the impact of colonization through traditional aboriginal spiritual means. Beyond colonization we respect the religious practices and support the religious freedom of all individuals. THE SINIXT SUPPORT WILLIAM IGNACE, known as Wolverine, and the people gathered at the Sundance grounds at Gustafson Lake. RECENT FINDINGS OF ABORIGINAL TITLE in the Adams Lake blockade, which is also within Shuswap territory, reflect a margin of doubt around the legal title and ownership of the rancer who is claiming the Sundance grounds as private property. As in the Adams Lake blockade the aboriginal peoples were labelled as the intruder and persecuted for their defensive position. The police officials, the news media, politicians and non-aboriginal organizations tend to work as a group against the aboriginal peoples who dispute land title and take a defensive stance calling for investigation of title and call for justice. ABORIGINAL TITLE AND JURISDICTION ARE THE QUESTIONS SINIXT NATION REQUEST AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIVE TRIBUNAL into the Gustafson Lake situation and the questions surrounding ceded and unceded land in British Columbia. We request that the investigation be conducted by a third party tribunal of the United Nations and as requested by aboriginal peoples involved in the Gustafson Lake situation, involvement of the Queen. All citizens of British Columbia have the right to full disclosure of the evidence which reveals British Columbia and the Canadian governments history of land title dealings with Aboriginal people in the establishment of the Privince of British Columbia. Signed by Proxy of Elders Eva Orr and Alvina Lum Marilyn James Appointed Spokesperson Sinixt (Arrow Lakes) Nation Planet Peace- http://www.teleport.com/~amt/planetpeace/ Nothing Real Can be Threatened. Nothing Unreal Exists. ---------------------------------------

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Date: Wed, 13 Sep 1995 15:43:56 -0700 (PDT) From: SISIS Subject: Bruce Clark - Sept 12 interview INTERVIEW WITH DR. BRUCE CLARK CBC TV Newsworld, Tuesday September 12, 10:15 AM PST Dr. Bruce Clark sought an injunction to prevent RCMP from further violence at Gustafsen Lake, pending a hearing on the issue of jurisdiction in lands beyond the treaty frontier. Canadian Chief Justice Antonio Lamer denied both applications. CBC: Mr. Clark, exactly what was it you wanted the Supreme Court of Canada to do? Clark: I wanted the Supreme Court of Canada to look at the existing constitutional law that prima facie precludes its jurisdiction and the jurisdiction of all the non-native courts in the unsurrendered Indian Territories - that law at the same time as it precludes the courts jurisdiction renders the assumption of the courts' jurisdiction treasonable, fraudulent and arguably complicitous in genocide. CBC: Chief Justice Antonio Lamer said that he has never heard anything so preposterous and said that you were a disgrace to the bar. Are you surprised by his comments? Clark: I'm dismayed by his comments but I'm not surprised by it - it takes the measure of the man. What he ought to have done as the senior judge in Canada was to look at the legislative words that I was putting before him and to say a mistake has been made here or here or here. The reason he didn't do that is because he can't do that. He can't do that and he's caught in a criminal activity. And so he blusters, and that's what you've just recorded. CBC: Part of the reasoning as I understand it is that the Supreme Court wondered if you were in the right building in the first place - perhaps you should have been in the Supreme Court of BC? Clark: Well that's absolute chicanery. It's complete nonsense. On July the sixth I brought a whole raft of cases from the Supreme Court of BC - raising the identical point of law - brought that raft to the Supreme Court of Canada - and then the Chief Justice Lamer held that the issue itself was not important, at least not of sufficient importance to occupy the court's time. Now to say that the clients should go back to the Supreme Court of BC level is just chicanery - legal trickery. CBC: If this is essentially what you expected from this court, what was the point in taking up your time and the court's time with this? Clark: Well in order to approach the appropriate international penal tribunal to apprehend the Canadian judges' complicity in genocide it is necessary to exhaust remedies in the domestic legal system. And I think if you were to take the time to look at the court record that has been compiled you will find that every stone that could be turned over has been turned over to persuade the domestic judges to look at the law. Invariably they simply refuse to look at the law. CBC: So having turned over all the legal stones, as you put it, in this country then does that prepare you for the next move and if so what is it? Clark: Well the next move is to proceed under articles 2a and b, 3e, 4, and 6 of the Covenant for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, 1948. That particular convention to which Canada has attorned by its signature establishes the point in law that there is no-one in the society, even judges, who is exempt from the rules against genocide. In my view when one carefully and dispassionately looks at the history of this country the case is not difficult to make in terms of that particular legal instrument. CBC: I would suggest that a lot of people in this country, including our political leaders, the RCMP certainly at Gustafsen Lake, would argue about the genocide aspect and suggest to you and the RCMP has said that what we're dealing with are criminals with a criminal agenda. Clark: Well that is the issue and I agree they may wish to argue that. My only point and my clients' only point is let's argue that in accordance with the rule of law, which means we both put our arguments before an independent and impartial third party tribunal. It may be the RCMP and Chief Justice Lamer are correct. I don't think they are; if they were correct they would come forward with some legislative words that refute the legislative words I have put on the table. But they're not able to do that. CBC: Mr. Clark, finally what we have here is a standoff that continues - shots continue to be fired. We saw more evidence of that yesterday. On a practical level is there anything that you can do to help resolve this and if you can extricate your clients out of this situation? Clark: My clients' instructions to me when last I was in the camp...Their instructions to me basically were, 'who's putting the wool over your eyes Clark - the Supreme Court of Canada - they're the crooks, they're the criminals. They're not going to do anything on the 12th. You get to an outside court which will objectively look at it.' And my clients' instructions turned out to have been prophetically wise. They are now under circumstances where they may well be murdered over the next period of time and they have indicated that they're prepared to die for their principles. And I haven't received any change in my instructions which would authorize me to cease doing what I'm doing, which is again to try and get to this outside tribunal. CBC: Lawyers generally advise their clients - do you have any advice for your clients then? Clark: Yes, my advice to them is that they are in the right. That when an independent and impartial tribunal looks at the words of the constitution, there is no question. Until there's a constitutional amendment those people at Gustafsen Lake are in the right - the police are in the wrong. That's simply what the law says. CBC: All right Bruce Clark that's our time. Thank you for this. Clark: Thank you. posted by S.I.S.I.S. Settlers In Support of Indigenous Sovereignty PO Box 8673 Victoria, BC Canada V8X 3S2 ---------------------------

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PEACE AT HAND-BCTV 6:00PM-Sept 13

Visits to the camp by Marlo Sam continue to bring out more people. Arval (looking Horse) a spiritual leader arrived from the US and went into the camp. Antoine Archie a Shuswap Chief talks to the camp by radio and assures they can come out in peace .

Apparently the people at the camp are planning to come out tomorrow.

The press is going along as a third party observer. (BCTV 6:00PM-Sept 13)

Ipperwash

In another incident the Ipperwash situation is defusing as a native barricade is taken down(BCTV 6:00PM-Sept 13). Earlier a meeting between Chippewas and Premier Mike Harris was fruitless. Mercredi said he will try again to get natives to leave the park but doubts they will listen to him. First Nations Police are in the front lines as the regular police have moved back. Kahnawake council members are calling for a cooling of period after 50 Mohawks opposed to a policing agreement vandalized the band office. (Times Colonist A10-Sept 13) West of Bella Coola at King Island a group of natives including four hereditary chiefs stopped an Interfore boat from docking.(BCTV 6:00PM-Sept 13) A side note: The Vulnerable Ecologies Protection Society and the Westcoast Conservation Society are campaigning for an end to old growth logging on the B.C. Coast.....Boycott B.C. rainforest wood products --------------------------------------------------- email- URL-Vulnerable Ecologies Protection Society - Deep Green Exchange ---------------------------------------------------

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Sept 13 11:pm

Shuswap Defenders Surrender - NOT!

Staff Sergeant Montague of the RCMP called it "an emotional roller coaster" so you can imagine what it has been like for the friends and family of the Defenders of the Shuswap Nation, trapped by a police iron cordon around Gustafsen Lake. The police and media were expecting the defenders to lay down their arms and come out peacefully as part of a negotiated agreement between them and the RCMP. The police and the government thought they had carried out their end of the deal, which was to have CBC radio broadcast three times a statement "read by a respected chief of the Shuswap Nation." Chief Antoine Archie read the statement that the defenders would be "treated with dignity and respect" when they surrendered to the police. There were high hopes tonight that a peaceful settlement was imminent, particularly since a highly respected Lakota Sioux spiritual leader, Arval Looking Horse, and several first nations negotiators spent several hours talking today with the defenders and discussing the plan. Looking Horse said that he was here on a "mission of peace to pray with the people in the camp. I am not here to talk politics." The police went so far as to ferry the media in to film the momentous occasion. They waited in vain. Looking Horse and the negotiators came out without the remaining 20 or so defenders. They did not speak to the police or media, who were left speculating among themselves what had happened. By nightfall, the media reported that "it was still unknown why they didn't come out." The exagerated reports made by the RCMP two days ago when their land mine disabled the defenders red truck and provoked a fire fight turned out to be "wishful thinking." The original report said 3 defenders were wounded, and one of them, a woman, severely. Happily, the woman was shot in the arm and declined to leave the camp. No other indian casualties have been reported. However, one of the RCMP members was badly hurt when one of his stun grenades exploded by accident. Just before that happened, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, in a surprise move, issued a statement supporting the defenders. Kootenai elder, Bill Lightbown said that they did not want anybody to be hurt, defenders or police. In their support for the Shuswap Defenders, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, recommended referring the conflict to the United Nations. An impartial international third party should be invited to intervene. Unconfirmed reports blame the RCMP for causing yet another confrontation, and a subsequent firefight, just when a peaceful settlement appeared to be likely. They moved their armed perimeter closer to the camp without informing the defenders and planted a land mine in the road where they would not expect it. The occupants of the truck were on a routine trip to get water. They were ambushed. Posted by Ernie Yacub 604-336-8155 or 604-336-2646