Exploration reveals "tricky relationship" between environmentalists and native communities: Knox

Victoria Times-Colonist columnist, Jack Knox, comments on how copper exploration in Ahousaht territory near Tofino is straining the relationship between local environment groups and the town and the Ahousaht First Nation, given that the exploration was approved by the Band. Knox suggests that this development "could pit affluent, predominantly white Tofino against its dirt-poor aboriginal neighbours." The economic benefits of the exploration project to the Band were noted in an interview with the Nuu-Chah-Nulth publication, Ha-Shilth-Sa, where Ahousaht Chief Councillor, Keith Atleo, said that in addition to receiving other considerations, 10 members would be trained in drilling. "It may not seem like much, but even one job makes a difference," Atleo said. As for the Band's relationship with the company, Selkirk Metals Corp., Atleo said in that interview: “They have been honest. They kept their word and have shown us respect over the years.”