----- Original Message -----
From: Doug Kelly
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Sent: Saturday, December 15, 2007 6:29 AM
Subject: Globe and Mail - "William land-claims decision contested"


NOTICE OF APPEAL

William land-claims decision contested
JUSTINE HUNTER

December 15, 2007

VICTORIA -- The federal and B.C. governments yesterday set the stage for an
appeal of a landmark native land-claims decision, brushing aside an offer for a
temporary truce that would have allowed time to negotiate a settlement out of
court.

The notices of appeal, filed yesterday in B.C. Court of Appeal, open the door
for a challenge to the William decision handed down by Mr. Justice David Vickers
in B.C. Supreme Court last month, after a 339-day trial that cost taxpayers tens
of millions of dollars.

"It's a trigger-happy decision and it's worrisome," said Jack Woodward, lawyer
for the Xeni Gwet'in, a small aboriginal band whose members claimed title to a
large section of the remote Nemiah Valley in B.C.'s central Interior.

Judge Vicker's decision made legal history by declaring the Xeni Gwet'in had
established aboriginal title to a large portion of their traditional territory.
But in an unusual twist, the judge offered his finding as a non-binding opinion
and urged the parties to negotiate a settlement.

A B.C. government spokesman said the province still wants to enter into
discussions, but the legal option to appeal at a later date would be lost if the
notice was not filed now. Mr. Woodward said the band is still willing to talk.

Grand Chief Doug Kelly (Tseem Th'ewali)
Treasurer & Tribal Chief for Intergovernmental Relations
Stó:lô Tribal Council
Area Office
PO Box 3013
Cultus Lake, BC
V2R 5H6
ph: 604-847-3561
fax: 604-847-3527

cell: 604-798-1436

email: dougkelly@...




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