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(Tokyo, Japan November 12, 2002)Chief Arthur Manuel of the Neskonlith Indian Band left for Japan today to educate, lobby and seek support for the international campaign to stop the expansion of Sun Peaks Resort.Sun Peaks is owned by a Japanese company called Nippon Cable. Chief Manuel will meet with the Japanese Environmental Lawyers Foundation and the NGO Peace Boat.Chief Manuel will also give two special lectures regarding "Economic Development and Indigenous Peoples Rights" and "Canada’s Indigenous Peoples and Development:Can We Let the Japanese Company Continue its Outrage?

Chief Manuel said that despite efforts of the BC and Canadian governments’ effort to extinguish Aboriginal title.He said "Aboriginal title does exist".He said "it is imperative that international investors know that Aboriginal title is a legitimate property interest and is protected under Constitutional law".

The Neskonlith Chief will highlight the fact that the existing policies regarding settlement of Aboriginal title matters has failed.In fact Skwelkwek’welt Protection Center submitted a shadow report to the Committee responsible for preparing a report on Canada’s fulfillment of their obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD).In fact the CERD Report made very serious concerns and recommendations regarding Canada’s handling of Aboriginal land settlements.

The shadow report Skwelkwek’welt raised the fact that the failure of the federal policy regarding Aboriginal title did result in over 50 arrests and imprisonment of Aboriginal land users, Native Youth and Elders.The Chief said he was pleased that the matter of insufficient evidence by the Crown in the case against Elder Irene Billy, Charlie Willard, Henry Sauls and George Manuel, Jr. will argued in early January 2003.The Chief said "the international community is interested the fact that Canada’s land policy is failing to meet the minimum international standards regarding racism toward Secwepemc peoples at Sun Peaks Resort".

The Chief said that the "failed land claim policy and imprisonment of political protesters is really a dead end that is used around the world, mostly in impoverished countries, Minister Robert Nault’s failure to change the land claims policy is racist and does not meet the CERD Concerns and Recommendations".

Chief Manuel said "I not against development but our Aboriginal land question needs to be dealt with first.He said otherwise investors and market agencies will be marketing in stolen goods".

Chief Manuel will also address matters like the World Trade Organization WTO acceptance of the amicus brief regarding Canada and United States dispute on softwood lumber.Chief Manuel met with the Japan Permanent Mission in Geneva, Switzerland early this year.Japan is a third party interest in this dispute.

Chief Arthur Manuel will also fly north to visit with the Ainu peoples.The Ainu peoples are indigenous peoples.They have also came to Canada to visit Sun Peaks this year.

This trip is sponsored by the Japanese supporters who wish to learn about the matters regarding Nippon Cable and Sun Peaks Resort.Chief Arthur Manuel was also in Europe from October 12 to 31, 2002.

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