The T’it’q’et First Nation has handed Savona Specialty Plywood plant in Lillooet an eviction notice effective the end of March, but the community’s Chief remains hopeful a deal can be reached.

Courteney Adolph-Jones says they have been in negotiations on a new lease agreement for almost 10 years and it was felt it was time to put a timeline in place. “We are very much interested in concluding these negotiations. We wanted to see a really positive resolution and we’re still hopeful that we will. But, that we really needed to set a hard date to it. That we couldn’t continue on. It was becoming quite costly. The amount of money that we’ve invested in this process is quite high and we really need to see a conclusion to it.”

Chief Adolph-Jones says its primary position has to be for the protection of the community and its members and that’s what it’s working towards. “Realize that there’s a mutual benefit in the use of our land and we want to make sure that we continue with that mutual benefit under a legal agreement that satisfies both parties interests and I do feel that we are in a position now where conversations are back open and ongoing.”

She is confident they will find a solution to this. “I know that it has put a scare in a lot of people and I know a lot of people are very anxious right now. And I know perhaps there may be feelings of resentment out there because of the stance we have taken. And I just want to ensure people that this is not a decision that we came to lightly.”

Chief Adolph-Jones says hopefully a meeting will be scheduled for as soon as [Friday, February 28] where it can further discussions and find a resolution.

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